Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive has long been a cornerstone in bringing the high-octane world of F1 to a global audience, drawing in millions of new fans with its behind-the-scenes access and gripping narratives. However, the hit docuseries now finds itself at the center of a firestorm following explosive comments from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has publicly called out the show for manufacturing “fake drama.” His latest critique, spotlighting Season 7’s misrepresentation of his reaction to Lando Norris’ breakthrough win at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, has sparked a major backlash from fans and insiders alike, reigniting a debate about authenticity versus entertainment in the sport’s most prominent media platform.

Verstappen’s frustrations with Drive to Survive are nothing new. The Red Bull superstar has been a vocal critic of the series for years, even opting out of interviews for Seasons 3 and 4 after accusing producers of fabricating rivalries and twisting his words to fit dramatic storylines. His decision to partially return for Season 5 came with a caveat—that the show “keep it real”—but his patience appears to have worn thin once again. During a recent Twitch stream, Verstappen slammed the depiction of his response to finishing second behind Norris in Miami, where the series portrayed him as visibly upset. In reality, he insists he was anything but dejected, revealing that he celebrated Norris’ first F1 victory with his friend that night. “I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don’t know what I was upset about,” he said, exposing a glaring disconnect between the footage fans saw live and the narrative crafted by Netflix.

The Miami Grand Prix was a defining moment in the 2024 season. Norris, driving for McLaren, clinched his maiden win, outpacing Verstappen by over seven seconds in a race that underscored his emergence as a title contender. Verstappen, who had dominated much of the early season, took the defeat in stride, even joining Norris for post-race festivities. Yet Drive to Survive spun a different tale, zooming in on a supposedly glum Verstappen in the cool-down room—a scene fans quickly debunked on social media. Eagle-eyed viewers pointed out a glaring error: the cap Verstappen wore in the footage was from Zandvoort, not Miami, proving the moment was stitched together from unrelated events. “This is one of the reasons why I can’t watch this,” one fan lamented online, while another added, “They do know we all watched it live. Max was very happy for Lando.”

This isn’t the first time Drive to Survive has been accused of playing fast and loose with the truth. The series has a well-documented history of amplifying rivalries—like the exaggerated tension between Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo in Season 1—or glossing over key moments to fit its narrative, such as ignoring George Russell’s non-victory at Spa. For Verstappen, it’s a matter of principle. “I understand when you create a show, there needs to be drama, it needs to be exciting,” he said in 2023. “But I’m a guy who finds it very important that you’re portrayed well, and that they do not start to copy comments on different kinds of footage while it didn’t happen like that.” His latest outburst has struck a chord with a growing contingent of fans who feel the show sacrifices authenticity for sensationalism, especially as F1’s real-life drama—like the 2021 title fight or Norris’ 2024 rise—offers more than enough material without embellishment.

The backlash has put Drive to Survive in a precarious position. While the series has undeniably revolutionized F1’s reach, particularly in markets like the United States, its reliance on manufactured conflict risks alienating the very audience it helped create. Social media has been ablaze with criticism, with fans calling out specific edits and questioning the show’s credibility. Some argue that Netflix’s approach undermines the sport’s integrity, turning drivers into caricatures rather than showcasing their true personalities and rivalries. Others, however, defend the series, noting that its entertainment value has brought unprecedented attention to F1, filling grandstands and boosting revenue—a trade-off they’re willing to accept.

For Verstappen, the issue is personal. His refusal to fully embrace Drive to Survive reflects a broader tension between F1’s old guard, who prize the sport’s raw essence, and the modern push for spectacle. As the paddock watches this saga unfold, the question looms: can Drive to Survive adapt to these criticisms, or will its pursuit of drama continue to clash with the realities of the racetrack? With Season 7 now under scrutiny, Netflix faces a reckoning—and Verstappen’s voice might just be the catalyst that forces a change.