Few sports docuseries have reshaped their industry quite like Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Over seven seasons, Netflix’s hit show has turned F1 into a global entertainment powerhouse, bringing in new fans and creating narratives that transcend the racetrack. However, with each season, the debate around Drive to Survive grows: is it an authentic look into the sport, or is it deliberately creating drama?
Season 7 has once again delivered high-octane drama, shocking rivalries, and behind-the-scenes power struggles, but not without controversy. Max Verstappen has openly criticized the series for “twisting the truth” and is joined by Lando Norris hitting out at “fabricated nonsense” included in the show.
With the latest season still fresh, let’s examine these conversations surrounding Drive to Survive Season 7.
Verstappen calls out Netflix for “twisting the truth”
One of the biggest talking points this season is Max Verstappen reigniting his long-standing discontent with Drive to Survive. The reigning F1 World Champion has never been a fan of the series, previously refusing to participate due to concerns over misleading storytelling.
Now, after featuring in Drive To Survive Season 7, Verstappen has once again accused Netflix of prioritizing drama over accuracy. According to Verstappen and his fans, Drive to Survive twisted one moment into a narrative of bitterness that simply didn’t exist.
The moment that sparked backlash came at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, when Drive to Survive editing suggested that Verstappen was bitter following Lando Norris’ victory. Verstappen slammed Drive to Survive for twisting the truth again, suggesting that it couldn’t be further from the truth. Verstappen revealed that he even celebrated Norris’ win and joined him for a night out.
Speaking about the way he was portrayed, he sarcastically remarked:
“Apparently, I was very upset after Miami… I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don’t know what I was upset about.”
Norris criticizes “lying” in Drive to Survive Season 7
Verstappen isn’t the only driver taking issue with Drive to Survive this season. Lando Norris has also spoken out, backing Verstappen’s stance and accusing the Netflix series of fabricating drama for the sake of entertainment.
According to The Guardian, the McLaren driver was deeply unhappy with how the show manipulated footage to suggest tensions between himself and Verstappen when no such rivalry existed. Norris was particularly concerned that viewers might form false opinions about his relationship with Verstappen based on selective editing and misleading storytelling.
“They need to show the truth about people more,” he said. “I’m not a fan of fake stuff. I want facts, I don’t want made-up scripts and fabricated nonsense, which there is. The portrayal of Max and how we were against each other so much. They don’t need to create.
Norris went even further, accusing the show’s producers of outright “lying” by altering interactions to better fit their narrative. In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the show’s producers admitted that ‘unintentional errors’ had been corrected.
Despite creating drama, Drive to Survive is still a must-watch
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the powerful impact that Drive to Survive has in entertainment. Despite the ongoing debate over selective editing, many drivers recognize its value in elevating the sport to new heights. Beyond its influence on F1, Drive to Survive has cemented itself as one of the most compelling sports documentaries ever made, blending high-stakes competition with unparalleled behind-the-scenes access in a way that few series have achieved.
While the show’s creative liberties may frustrate some, it remains a must-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
