Max Verstappen ready to run on Netflix. The Formula 1 world champion for the first time takes a step back: after refusing to participate in the fourth season of the “Drive to Survive” series, he now surprises the public by revealing that he has given consent for the next two seasons.
The series had helped generate a boom in ratings and new Formula 1 fans in the United States. The last season had involved the controversial and heated battle for the title of world champion between the Red Bull driver and rival Mercedes, and seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Last March, however, Verstappen had refused to collaborate with Netflix producers again for the way he was portrayed, pointing out that the series was not his genre and closing the doors to a possible rethink. Only now the change of gear: Netflix and Formula One have confirmed two more seasons in May and the 24-year-old Dutchman will be there.
“I sat down with them and explained what I thought had gone wrong in the past – explained Verstappen to reporters at the British Grand Prix – and it was actually a very good and quick chat.” the way he was portrayed in the series. But after having clarified with the producers and asking for more involvement, it seems that the agreement has been found. “This is all I ask – he remarked -, it’s just more realistic, at least from me”.
“Obviously, I can’t control what they do with the other riders – the rider went into detail – but at least I want to have control over what I’m releasing. That’s what we’re going to do.” In March it was also the CEO of Formula One, Stefano Domenicali, who specified that he would ask Netflix to keep the narrative rooted in reality. “Drive to Survive” has played a key role in attracting new fans to the sport, but it has also drawn criticism for production rivalries between drivers and for placing radio conversations and commentary out of context.