Max Verstappen blasts Netflix over 'very sad' Drive to Survive scene

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Max Verstappen has once again hit out at Netflix over their portrayal of him in their series Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

Drive to Survive has been an incredible success for the streaming platform and the sport, credited with significantly boosting F1’s popularity since it’s premiere in 2019.

The seventh series of the documentary, which offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the sport, its drivers and team principals, dropped on Friday, a week ahead of the 2025 season-opening race in Australia.

While reception to the series has been mostly positive, there has been backlash from fans and some drivers over how they have been portrayed, with Verstappen one of the most vocal critics.

The four-time world champion has now taken issue with one scene from the second episode of the new series, titled ‘Frenemies’.

The episode depicts Lando Norris’ maiden F1 win at the Miami Grand Prix, which Verstappen had looked set to win but ultimately finished second.

In the aftermath of the race, the Red Bull star is seen looking annoyed as Norris gleefully celebrates with other drivers.

‘Max is a winner. He just comes to win, everything else is a failure,’ 2009 champion and Drive to Survive pundit Jenson Button says in a voice-over.

‘I would have a meltdown, I would be in a bad place right now. But I don’t think he reacts like most drivers do. He will come back fighting.’

Discussing the scene on his Twitch stream, Verstappen disputed this portrayal and insisted he was not in a glum or angry mood, saying: ‘Apparently I was very sad after Miami.

‘I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don't know what I was upset about. Probably better not say anything.’

While Verstappen was naturally disappointed not to win in Miami, he was very happy for Norris to get his first victory and even went out clubbing with Brit afterward, though their friendship did sour later in the year as the McLaren driver emerged as a title rival.

Fans on social media have also called out the scene and observed that the footage of the Dutchman appearing annoyed may have been taken from a different grand prix.

Verstappen previously refused to give interviews for Drive to Survive, calling them out for ‘faking rivalries’, though he returned last year.

‘Of course, I understand when you create a show, there needs to be drama, it needs to be exciting,’ the 27-year-old said back in 2023.

‘But I'm a guy who finds it also very important that you're portrayed well, and that they do not start to copy comments on the different kinds of footage while it didn't happen like that.

‘I had to explain it to them that that was my view. Otherwise, I didn't want to be part of it. But yes, they understood.’

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