The exaggerated staging of Netflix is part of the game

A great contribution

During the last season, released on March 19, 2021, the series Drive to Survive divided opinions among F1 fans. On one side, some enjoyed the in-depth information while on the other, some got upset about how certain scenes were portrayed. The frequent cutting of conversations or audio comments to intensify controversy particularly displeased some viewers. We also noticed how the program tried to depict a sense of conflict within McLaren, with the duo Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, even though it was widely known that they got along particularly well.

Despite the criticism, Zak Brown believes that Formula 1 must understand the broader benefits that have resulted from the Netflix series, which has proven to be extremely popular and has helped improve the image of Formula 1: “I think Netflix has been fantastic for Formula 1,” said the CEO of McLaren during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

« I think he was number one in 25 countries. So I think Netflix’s primary goal is to entertain and bring new viewers to F1. And I think this has been multiplied, which is great. »

« It was the number one trend »

The Hollywood of Formula 1

According to Zak Brown, we need to compare the way Netflix treats Formula 1 to how Hollywood often prioritizes entertainment over the need to be realistic in movies. Watch Top Gun, he said. You watch it, and I’m sure all fighter drivers said, you can’t do that in a fighter jet. But it was a great movie. So, of course, those of us who live in this sport know that Carlos and Lando had an excellent relationship and there wasn’t the kind of tension portrayed.

» Every time you participate in a TV show, they will create entertainment that we all know in the paddock, maybe it wasn’t quite like that.

« But I think it’s not serious, and I think the most important thing is that he has done wonderful things to attract new fans worldwide. So we are very supportive of Netflix and what they are trying to accomplish, even if they take a little creative freedom here and there.

Brown’s comments were picked up by Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, who said he felt uncomfortable at times with the portrayal in Drive to Survive. In a pre-race column, Horner said: « I was recently asked if I cringe every time I watch it, the honest answer is yes, constantly! It’s a TV show, but it also shows a side of the sport that is not usually conveyed during a conventional weekend broadcast. »

She shows some of the characteristics and personalities, which are presented in a certain way to interest the public. But overall, it’s very positive for F1 and the popularity seems huge.

« Overall very positive for F1 »

This sentiment seems to be widely shared within the paddock, especially by Günther Steiner, team principal of Haas, who has never watched an episode of the series but has stated that he has no problem with the way Netflix delivers its storylines. For Steiner, it is the filmmakers’ job to make events as dramatic as possible.

« It is well known that people in the cinema industry always try to get the best out of it so that the audience enjoys watching it. We are obliged to do it, and we can live with that. »

Obviously, the Netflix series Drive to Survive will always spark debate among F1 enthusiasts and connoisseurs, remaining a subject of controversy due to its need to create spectacle. But is the most important thing the accuracy of certain details or the popularity and recognition that this program provides?