Since its debut, Netflix’s Drive to Survive has been a cultural phenomenon, offering fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the high-octane world of Formula 1. However, as the series has grown in popularity, so have the criticisms from those within the sport itself. In this article, we take a closer look at the reactions of various F1 drivers and team principals, as they navigate the blurred lines between reality and entertainment that Drive to Survive presents.
11. Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg initially greeted Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” with skepticism, puzzled by the cameras shadowing F1 drivers in the paddock. While he later acknowledged the show’s value in opening up the sport, Hulkenberg has criticized how the producers exaggerated rivalries—like his supposed feud with Kevin Magnussen—for dramatic effect.
10. Lance Stroll
Lance Stroll has voiced frustration with Netflix’s Drive to Survive, criticizing the show for misrepresenting drivers and creating artificial drama. He’s expressed discomfort with how storylines are exaggerated, noting that the series often fails to capture the reality of F1 life, especially for drivers like himself.
9. Sergio Perez
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez criticized Netflix’s Drive to Survive for overdramatizing the 2021 F1 season, stating they “probably gone too far” despite having plenty of real drama to work with. After dedicating significant time filming in Mexico, Perez was disappointed with his limited screen time and pledged to minimize his involvement in future seasons. His criticisms came alongside teammate Max Verstappen’s refusal to participate in the series.
8. Carlos Sainz
Williams driver Carlos Sainz has criticized Netflix for manipulating footage in Drive to Survive to create false drama. He specifically pointed to Season 4, where editing made him and Lando Norris appear as “archenemies” despite being friendly colleagues. More recently, the series also faced criticism for misrepresenting Sainz’s negotiations with Williams team principal James Vowles in Season 7.
7. Guenther Steiner
The former Haas F1 team boss and fan-favorite on Drive to Survive made a shocking confession in 2024 on The Chris Moyles Show: “I never watched it and have no intention to watch it.” Despite becoming famous through the series, Steiner admitted he hates watching himself and worried that viewing his performance might cause him to start “acting” on camera.
6. George Russell
Mercedes driver Russell expressed indifference about his portrayal in Drive to Survive Season 7, particularly regarding footage showing him hyperventilating after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. “I don’t really care how I’m portrayed there. I care how I perform in the car,” Russell stated, noting his body temperature reached a dangerous 42 degrees during the race.
5. Toto Wolff
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff initially refused to participate in the first season of Drive to Survive, a decision he later called a “mistake” after seeing the show’s huge impact on F1’s popularity, especially in the U.S. Wolff has also admitted some scenes make him cringe, despite praising Netflix’s storytelling.
4. Christian Horner
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has been a key figure on Drive to Survive but hasn’t shied away from criticizing its narrative techniques. Horner revealed frustration over Netflix’s “exquisitely curated” storylines, especially as Season 7 spotlighted the 2024 allegations against him, which he described as “premeditated” to cause “maximum distraction.”
3. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has publicly questioned the authenticity of Drive to Survive, especially after Netflix staged and dramatized scenes about his contract negotiations with Mercedes. Fans and media criticized these segments for misrepresenting key moments in his career, further fueling debate over the show’s accuracy and impact on F1’s image.
2. Lando Norris
In March 2025, Lando Norris launched a scathing critique of Drive to Survive’s seventh season, accusing Netflix of creating “fabricated, made-up nonsense” that misrepresented his relationship with Max Verstappen. Following his Australian GP win, Norris condemned the show for falsely portraying their friendship as a heated rivalry, stating, “I’m not a fan of fake stuff. I want facts.”
1. Max Verstappen
Recently in March 2025, Verstappen criticized Netflix’s Drive To Survive Season 7 for falsely portraying him as “very sad” after his defeat at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. During a Twitch stream, he clarified: “I literally had the best time ever Sunday night,” highlighting the show’s tendency to dramatize emotions and twist reality for entertainment value.
Conclusion:
From staged rivalries to over-dramatized emotions, the critiques highlighted by the F1 community showcase the ongoing tension between authentic sport and entertainment spectacle. As Drive to Survive continues to shape public perception of Formula 1, questions about the responsibility of storytellers versus the integrity of the subjects they portray remain at the forefront. Ultimately, the voices of those within the sport serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing dramatization with authenticity, in order to preserve the true essence of F1.
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