After refusing to take part in the Netflix documentary “Drive to Survive” in 2021, Max Verstappen is taking part in the new season after all
Max Verstappen will be a part of the Netflix series again in the fifth season of “Drive to Survive” after all, after the reigning Formula One world champion banned his participation in the previous season.
The Dutchman had not cooperated with the producers of the documentary because he felt he was not portrayed adequately and felt that Netflix would distort many things. But after a conversation with the makers, he now shows himself willing to cooperate after all.
“I sat down with them and explained what I think about it and what went wrong in the past,” Verstappen says. “Of course I understand that they want me to be part of it and I said, okay, sure. But it has to be more on my terms then, otherwise there’s no point in being involved. “
Verstappen wants to have greater control over how he is portrayed in the series, rather than giving an interview and then not knowing what is done with it. “That’s all I’m asking for,” he says. “I just want it to be more realistic – at least as far as I’m concerned. What they do with the other drivers I can’t control, but with me I want to be in control. “
And that’s how he thinks it should be: “You also have to be able to say, ‘Sorry guys, but I don’t think I’m coming across well in this.’ Sometimes you don’t even know there’s a camera, and they can use that.”
Verstappen says he has had good discussions with Netflix. “And now we’ll see what comes out of it and how much will be in it in the first place,” said the Red Bull driver, who doesn’t necessarily have to have a starring role: “I’m not a big fan of being the centre of attention. But there will be enough in it.”
The world champion knows that the series has played a big role in helping Formula One gain new popularity – especially in the US. And he also knows that people would like to see even more drivers with their personal stories in it. “I don’t mind playing a role in it at all,” he says. “But it has to be good for both sides. “
