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Max Verstappen has reignited his feud with Netflix’s Drive to Survive, accusing the hit docuseries of distorting his reaction to a recent Grand Prix defeat. The Red Bull star claims the show painted him as a bitter runner-up after a high-profile loss to a rising competitor, despite him having “the best time ever” post-race.
This isn’t the first time Verstappen has clashed with the series over its dramatized storytelling, but the latest critique highlights his growing frustration with how Formula 1’s behind-the-scenes narratives are spun for entertainment—even when they clash with reality.
“Glum Verstappen” vs. reality: The Miami GP controversy
The episode in question centers on Lando Norris’ maiden F1 victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, where the McLaren driver edged Verstappen by 7.6 seconds. Drive to Survive depicted Max Verstappen as visibly dejected, cutting to footage of him leaning against a wall with a somber expression while commentator Jenson Button speculated,
“Max is a winner… everything else is a failure."
The juxtaposition suggested Verstappen was sulking over the loss—a narrative the Dutchman vehemently denies.
“Apparently I was very sad after Miami,” Verstappen quipped during a Twitch stream. “I literally had the best time ever Sunday night. I don’t know what I was upset about.”
The three-time champion’s rebuttal underscores his irritation with the show’s creative liberties, which he argues misrepresent his character.
Max Verstappen vs. Netflix: A rocky relationship
Verstappen’s disdain for Drive to Survive isn’t new. He’s long criticized the series for “faking rivalries” and manipulating footage to heighten drama. “They copy comments over unrelated clips,” he said in a 2023 interview.
“I had to explain that’s not how it happened.” His resistance led to minimal screen time in recent seasons, as he avoids interviews he deems inauthentic. “You don’t see much of me because I hate sitting in a dark room doing staged talks,” he told The Project.
Fans echoed his frustration after the Miami episode, slamming Netflix for ignoring Max Verstappen’s genuine camaraderie with Norris. Behind the scenes, the Red Bull driver reportedly celebrated his friend’s breakthrough win, a nuance omitted in favor of manufactured tension.
The bigger picture: Authenticity vs. entertainment
Verstappen’s critique taps into a broader debate about Drive to Survive’s impact on F1. While the show has boosted the sport’s global popularity, drivers like Verstappen argue it sacrifices truth for theatrics. “I get they need drama, but portrayal matters,” he stated. His stance resonates with purists who crave unfiltered insights over scripted storylines.
Despite his grievances, Verstappen acknowledges the series’ value to F1’s growth. “It’s important for the sport,” he conceded, “but I’ll stick to driving.” As the show continues to blur reality and fiction, Max Verstappen’s defiance serves as a reminder: not every rivalry needs a Hollywood spin.
