Max Verstappen has revealed that he refuses to take part in Netflix's Formula 1 “Drive to Survive” docuseries after incidents of fake content displayed in the show.
A major talking point that surely entices Netflix this year involves the epic head-to-head rivalry of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. The two championship rivals have been involved in many altercations this Formula 1 season — including their headline-worthy crashes at the British Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix.
Both Verstappen and Hamilton had controversial moments throughout the race weekend in the aforementioned Grand Prixs which would have made for an excellent dramatization in Drive to Survive.
However, Netflix has received some flak from the Formula 1 community after their 3rd season included fake rivalries to make the story more dramatic and to attract more fans toward the sport. Verstappen spoke out on this issue and now refuses to be interviewed for the docuseries.
Via Jon Wilde of Planet F1:
“I understand it needs to be done to boost the popularity [of Formula 1 in America],” the Red Bull driver told The Associated Press, quoted by Motorsport Week, in the build-up to the United States Grand Prix. “But from my side as a driver, I don’t like being part of it. They faked a few rivalries which don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.
Verstappen explains that Netflix positions the drivers in a certain way to fit the storyline they have in mind — which then makes anything that comes out of the drivers' mouths look problematic — even when it shouldn't be. He expounds further that he's not really into dramatic shows, and he would prefer having a show that displays facts and realistic events.
Follow Us
Subscribe