by Jordan Liverant
Since it’s debut in 2019, Netflix’s Drive To Survive has catapulted Formula 1 racing into the spotlight, turning the sport into a global entertainment phenomemon in just a couple years. The seven-season long documentary follows the 20 drivers of Formula 1, giving fans a rare inside look on what it’s really like to be one of the best racing drivers in the world. From intimate moments such as George Russell’s post-race anxiety attack during the Singapore Grand Prix to high pressure behind-the-scenes conversations, Drive To Survive has it all. While it does offer unprecidented access into the sport, does it offer the truth?
There is no denying the unique access this documentary gives the audience. Throughout the seasons, we are placed in the garage, in the team meetings, and even in the driver’s homes, giving us the inside look on private moments that traditional media coverage could never offer. This behind-the-scenes access makes the sport feel more relatable and personal.
However, over the years, the documentary has received a lot of criticism from fans and drivers both due to the editing and manipulation of moments to create certain narratives. McLaren driver Lando Norris said to the BBC, “I’m not a fan of fake stuff. I want facts. I don’t want made-up scripts and fabricated nonsense, which there is” and critiqued how his rivalry with Max Verstappen was portrayed. Max Verstappen himself also made a reference to the show in a Twitch livestream, saying “Apparently I was very sad after Miami. I literally had the best time ever on Sunday.”
So while the documentary does give us exclusive access, to what extent is that access even the reality of the sport?