Max Verstappen recently criticised Netflix’s Drive to Survive during a Twitch stream, calling out the show for making him appear “upset” after the 2024 Miami Grand Prix.
The Miami race was a landmark moment for McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured his first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix victory. Taking full advantage of a well-timed safety car, Norris managed to pit without losing his lead over Verstappen. The Dutchman had already pitted before the safety car was deployed following a collision between Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Williams’ Logan Sargeant, which ultimately worked in Norris’ favour.
What happened in Miami?
Norris’ confidence soared from that point on, while Verstappen struggled to maintain control of his RB20 on Miami’s tight corners. Frustrated with his car’s handling, Verstappen radioed in, saying, “I can’t get the car to turn, it’s a disaster.” Despite his efforts, he finished 7.6 seconds behind the McLaren driver, who celebrated an emotional maiden win.
Reflecting on his triumph, Norris joked about the minor scratch on his nose that Drive to Survive had fixated on in S7. “I might have more than just a scratch on my nose tomorrow!” he laughed. “I don’t care. But I’ll enjoy my time, this only happens once when you’re taking your first win, it’s nice to do it here in Miami.
“I was kind of hoping it was going to be at Silverstone,” he added. “But I’ll try to do it there as well.
“So tonight is going to be a good night.”
While Drive to Survive has played a pivotal role in expanding Formula 1’s global audience, it has also been criticised for its storytelling. The show is known for exaggerating drama, sometimes at the expense of accuracy. The controversial omission of George Russell’s win at Spa is just one example. In Verstappen’s case, the series framed him as being deeply unhappy after the Miami Grand Prix, despite him insisting this wasn’t the case.
“Apparently I was very upset after Miami,” Verstappen said with a laugh. “I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don’t know what I was upset about.“
What Verstappen thinks about DTS
The Dutch driver has been vocal about his concerns with the show’s editing in the past. In 2023, he acknowledged the entertainment value but also stressed the importance of truthful portrayals.
“Of course, I understand when you create a show, there needs to be drama, it needs to be exciting. But I’m a guy who finds it also very important that you’re portrayed well, and that they do not start to copy comments on the different kinds of footage while it didn’t happen like that,” Verstappen said.
“I had to explain it to them that that was my view. Otherwise, I didn’t want to be part of it. But yes, they understood.
“Let’s see, once it comes out, what they made of it. But I’m positive of course, because I know it’s also very important for Formula 1.”
Despite the criticisms, Drive to Survive has undeniably transformed F1’s appeal, bringing in a fresh wave of fans and increasing the sport’s mainstream visibility. However, as long as its creative liberties continue to spark debate, the balance between authenticity and entertainment will remain a hot topic among drivers and fans alike.
Feature Image Credit: @Max33Verstappen | X
