Is Netflix’s Drive to Survive Hurting the Reputation of Formula 1?

Netflix’s Drive to Survive has become a global sensation, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. The show has been credited with bringing in new fans and broadening the sport’s appeal, especially in regions like the United States. However, recent criticisms have emerged, with many fans and drivers feeling that the show distorts the truth, focusing more on drama than reality. As the latest season aired, several key issues surfaced, raising the question: is Drive to Survive actually doing more harm than good for Formula 1?

The Fake Storylines – A Growing Problem

One of the most talked-about criticisms of Drive to Survive is its tendency to embellish or completely fabricate events to create more drama. This trend became particularly evident when the show misrepresented Max Verstappen’s reaction to Lando Norris’s first race win at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix.

In reality, Verstappen was seen celebrating Norris’s win, sharing a moment of genuine happiness for his rival. The two were even photographed together, enjoying the race weekend in Miami. Verstappen himself confirmed how thrilled he was for Norris, calling it a memorable day. Yet, in the Drive to Survive episode covering the event, the show depicted Verstappen as a bitter, angry villain, upset about losing to Norris. They used footage of Verstappen looking upset from a completely different race in the Netherlands and paired it with commentary from Jenson Button, who implied that Verstappen struggled to handle losing. This portrayal was nothing short of a fabrication, and Verstappen was quick to call out the show for misrepresenting him. He pointed out that the producers had painted an entirely false narrative, highlighting how the show twisted his emotions to suit a more dramatic storyline.

Verstappen’s Growing Frustration with the Show

Max Verstappen has voiced his concerns about Drive to Survive before, but with this latest season, his frustrations seem to have reached new heights. In the past, he had been outspoken, criticizing the show for its unrealistic portrayal of events. This time, however, he chose to remain largely silent when asked if he was the show’s biggest critic, opting not to engage further. Despite his silence, it’s clear that his opinion hasn’t changed since 2023.

Verstappen’s frustration is understandable. The show needs to maintain a balance between drama and accuracy, but constantly distorting the truth could be damaging for both the sport and the show’s credibility. Fans who watch Drive to Survive to understand Formula 1’s intricacies may find themselves misled, which risks undermining the show’s potential as a gateway to new fans.

The Missing Details – What the Show Left Out

While Drive to Survive may thrive on drama, there are serious concerns about the lack of focus on critical events. In the 2024 season, the show glossed over some of the most significant moments and failed to address key details that could have added depth to the storylines.

For example, the show did not cover George Russell’s disqualification after his performance in the Belgian Grand Prix. Russell won the race but was later stripped of his victory after his car was found to be underweight, a crucial detail that Drive to Survive ignored. The show chose not to mention the disqualification at all, presenting Russell’s race in a misleading light. While Russell’s efforts to defend against teammate Lewis Hamilton were impressive, the omission of the illegal car weight leaves a huge gap in the narrative, which fans and critics alike have found troubling.

Additionally, there are other critical moments that were either glossed over or entirely omitted, such as Lewis Hamilton’s emotional victory at Silverstone in 2024, which was his first win with Mercedes since 2021. This win, particularly at his home Grand Prix, was significant both for Hamilton and for the team, but the show failed to capture the importance of this victory, leaving many fans feeling like it had been underappreciated.

The Show’s Selective Coverage

While some liberties are taken for the sake of creating a compelling television show, Drive to Survive has become increasingly selective in its coverage. Perhaps one of the most glaring omissions was the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing, who joined Aston Martin in 2024. Newey’s departure is a monumental event, as he is one of the most respected engineers in Formula 1. His decision to leave Red Bull and join Aston Martin is expected to have a major impact on the sport’s future, yet Drive to Survive chose not to address it with the depth it deserved.

Newey’s departure, as well as the broader changes within Red Bull and other teams, represents a crucial shift in the sport’s dynamics. Not only did the show fail to give enough coverage to these developments, but it also missed the opportunity to delve into the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to such decisions. These are the kinds of stories that real F1 fans want to hear, and failing to provide them undermines the show’s credibility.

Another story that went largely ignored was the rise of rookie driver Oliver Bearman. Bearman impressed during the 2024 season, securing points with two different teams, a feat that no other driver in the sport’s history has managed in a single season. This kind of groundbreaking achievement deserves more attention, especially given Bearman’s potential future in the sport. However, the directors of Drive to Survive chose not to focus on his breakthrough performance, yet another missed opportunity to highlight a rising star.

The Impact on Formula 1’s Image

There’s no denying that Drive to Survive has contributed to Formula 1’s massive growth, attracting a whole new fanbase, especially in North America. The series has provided an accessible entry point for casual viewers, allowing them to connect with drivers and teams on a personal level. However, as the series evolves, the increasing distortion of reality may be hurting the sport’s image rather than helping it.

For casual fans, Drive to Survive might offer an entertaining show, but for die-hard fans who follow every race, the inaccuracies become more apparent. The tendency to twist facts for drama risks alienating these dedicated followers, who feel that the integrity of the sport is being compromised for entertainment value.

The Future of Drive to Survive

As the debate around Drive to Survive continues to grow, it’s clear that the show needs to strike a better balance between drama and accuracy. While some embellishments are inevitable in any scripted documentary, the current trajectory may cause long-term damage to both the show’s reputation and Formula 1’s. Fans have a right to expect a show that stays true to the heart of the sport, one that tells the stories of the drivers, teams, and events without resorting to outright fabrication.

If Drive to Survive wants to continue to play a significant role in Formula 1’s expansion, it must be more mindful of its approach. The future of the sport, and the trust of its fans, depends on it.

Conclusion

Drive to Survive has undeniably played a pivotal role in bringing Formula 1 into the global spotlight. However, as the show progresses, it’s crucial that the producers revisit their approach to storytelling. While some creative liberties are necessary for creating an engaging narrative, the increasing frequency of inaccuracies is causing frustration among fans and drivers alike. In order to maintain its place as a significant promotional tool for Formula 1, Drive to Survive needs to ensure that it stays true to the sport’s authenticity, while still delivering the drama that attracts new fans. Only by doing so can the show continue to thrive without tarnishing Formula 1’s reputation in the process.