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McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has voiced his concerns about Netflix’s Drive to Survive, joining a growing list of Formula 1 drivers frustrated by the show’s tendency to dramatize events. As he gears up for his home race at the Australian Grand Prix—where he finished fourth on the timesheets in FP1—Piastri’s remarks add to the mounting criticism surrounding the series’ creative liberties.
Piastri Questions the Accuracy of ‘Drive to Survive’
The latest season of Drive to Survive, released on March 7, 2025, has once again drawn criticism for manipulating narratives to heighten drama. Speaking to the media, including Motorsport.com, Piastri admitted that he hasn’t watched the newest season yet.
"I haven't watched [it yet], to be honest. I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what happens, so I don't need to watch it again on TV," Piastri stated.
His skepticism stems from how the series is known for reshaping real-life events. He further elaborated, "Obviously, there's a lot of things in Drive to Survive that, you know, you never quite know how it's been cut up," hinting at the gap between reality and the show’s portrayal.
George Russell Shares Similar Reservations
Mercedes driver George Russell also revealed that he hasn’t watched the series, particularly the episode covering his struggles at the Singapore Grand Prix. He acknowledged the show’s dramatic editing but remains indifferent to his portrayal.
"I've got to be honest, I've not seen the episode in full. I did hear and I was fed back that it was like two extremes from the first half to the last half. But ultimately, I don't really care how I'm portrayed there," Russell commented.
Rather than focusing on media representation, Russell prioritizes his performance and teamwork. "There's always an agenda for the best storyline possible, and that's just the way the world is with these entertainment programs," he added.
Reflecting on the Singapore Grand Prix, Russell described the physical demands of the race, particularly the extreme heat inside the cockpit. "Singapore was an exceptionally tough race for me last year. I think the body temperature was almost 42 degrees last year, and when you think a fever is 40 degrees, 42 degrees in a race car is pretty exceptional," he revealed.
Efforts have been made to address these challenges, with Adidas introducing new equipment aimed at improving cockpit conditions.
Leclerc Reacts to Monaco Grand Prix Episode
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also weighed in on Drive to Survive, specifically its portrayal of his Monaco Grand Prix win in an episode titled Le Curse of Leclerc. Unlike some of his peers, Leclerc downplayed the impact of the cameras during the weekend.
"It was seamless, and the Drive to Survive crew was not taking any place in what was a normal race weekend for me at home," Leclerc explained.
While he has yet to watch the episode, he assured, "I will soon, I promise."
A Double-Edged Sword for Formula 1
Despite the criticism from drivers, Drive to Survive has played a pivotal role in expanding Formula 1’s global fan base. However, the ongoing debate over its balance between authenticity and entertainment continues to spark discussion in the paddock.
As F1 moves forward, the tension between genuine storytelling and the need for dramatic narratives remains a hot topic, with drivers increasingly calling for a more accurate representation of the sport they dedicate their lives to.
