Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1 has arranged talks with Netflix over the Drive to Survive docuseries after numerous drivers have lambasted the show for being sensationalist and fabricating false stories.
Reigning World Champion and Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has become the latest critic of the Drive to Survive docuseries after he stated that the Season 4 edit made Lando “look like a dick”. He further reaffirmed that he isn’t and added “I know Lando and I think many people know Lando as a funny guy, great guy – he has a great character.” Verstappen opted not to be included in the series from its inception as he had anticipated it would fake rivalries and fabricate stories.
Several other drivers have been outspoken on the topic reaffirming this in recent years with Haas’ driver Mick Schumacher further stating that the edits are often inaccurate. He used an example of mixing and matching team radio clips to suit a narrative they were aiming for which misconstrued the events which took place. The young German driver also offered some advice after he added: “Maybe don’t mix up some of the comments or like radio messages and stay true to how it actually was on track.”
As a result of this fabrication and inaccurate representation of reality, certain drivers and teams have expressed their weariness of allowing the camera crews and interviewers to be involved with their exploits this season. This will be pivotal in demonstrating an accurate Championship battle for an expectedly tight 2022 season after Sergio Perez became the second Red Bull driver to opt out of participating in the next season of the show.
Red Bull Racing and Ferrari seem to be equally matched in fighting for the title this year so viewers of the show will ultimately miss out on their perspective of events.
While the series has been instrumental in ushering new fans of the sport, it comes at the cost of sensationalism that has often depicted the drivers in a negative light – often false of the true character. Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali understands the value that the series has provided in generating interest with a new audience but seeks to remedy this issue. He has since arranged talks with Netflix over the Drive to Survive docuseries after he stated “it is necessary that the story does not move away from reality. Otherwise it no longer fits.”
Paddock personality and current McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo famously stated that “Netflix are a real bunch of c**** aren’t they” in the third episode of Season 2 and he may have been right!
