The world of F1 is divided about the Netflix series “Drive to Survive”

Nearly 400,000 people visited the Austin circuit from Thursday to Sunday, setting a new attendance record at COTA. The popular success of the event is a result of the Drive to Survive series’ success in the United States, according to Bobby Epstein, the promoter of the Austin Grand Prix. “The Netflix series has had a huge impact on the popularity of F1 in the USA, that’s for sure, and we have benefited from this new factor,” he said.

Despite this popular success, Max Verstappen (the current leader of the world championship) has recently been very critical of the series. “I understand that this must be done to increase the popularity of the sport in America, but as a driver, I don’t like being a part of it,” he told the Associated Press shortly before the United States Grand Prix. “They manufacture rivalries that don’t exist when there is nothing to show. So I have decided not to be a part of it anymore. I don’t want to participate in a dramatic show, I just want facts, real things. Whatever you say, they distort things, they will make you look reckless to fit the series’ script. I never liked that.”

The sound of the bell is the same on Bernie Ecclestone’s side, former CEO of F1: “I know how these guys act or think, I know many of them and what is shown is not real. Instead of Max, when you see things that you know are completely false, I would be upset,” he told CNN.

During the press conference on Thursday preceding the first free practice sessions of the United States Grand Prix, some drivers were in disagreement with Verstappen, especially Esteban Ocon. « Before, from the outside, we were taken as somewhat robots, the sport seemed to repeat itself in a loop and people couldn’t see all the personalities of the paddock. It’s fantastic that they have access to all of this now. From a personal point of view, Netflix has changed a lot of things in my life. They made sure that I was seen during difficult times, when I didn’t have a seat. This contributed to the revival of my career, people saw how desperate I was to have a cockpit ».

The McLaren drivers also appreciate the experience with the video platform,” Lando Norris said. “From my side, it’s good. We can choose a lot of things. I watch the series from time to time and I think they are doing a good job, but I can’t speak on behalf of Max.”

Daniel Ricciardo is of the same opinion. Of course, there are times when we want our privacy and when you tell them not to film in a certain place, they are pretty good about it. It goes well with them.

Even if Kimi Räikkönen did not show much interest in the series, the Finn, who nevertheless made a few appearances during the first three seasons, had his say: “I don’t watch the series so I don’t know what they do. But I told them that even during the filming, if I could participate, I would be happy.”

The new season of Drive to Survive will be available in early 2022, a few days or weeks before the start of the next Formula 1 World Championship.