The most recent season, covering the 2024 F1 campaign, featured an episode titled Frenemies, focusing on the dynamic between Verstappen and Norris. However, Norris was unimpressed with how their rivalry was framed.
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This is not the first time Verstappen has been at odds with the series. The reigning world champion has long expressed his dissatisfaction with its approach, even refusing to actively participate in the latest season despite winning the 2024 title. While his performances were included, Verstappen reportedly declined to give personal interviews to the show’s creators.
Miami Controversy: A Misleading Edit?
The criticism escalated further following Drive to Survive’s depiction of Norris’ first-ever Formula 1 victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. The documentary showed Verstappen appearing sullen and disappointed as Norris celebrated.
However, Verstappen dismissed this portrayal, calling it misleading.
“Apparently I was really sad after Miami. I literally had the best night ever on Sunday, so I don’t know what I should have been sad about. Maybe better not to say anything,” Verstappen said during a Twitch stream.
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An investigation by The Times revealed that the footage showing Verstappen looking downcast wasn’t from Miami at all. Instead, it was taken from the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort earlier that season and repurposed to fit a different narrative.
Growing Frustration Among Drivers
This kind of creative editing has long been a sore point for F1 drivers, many of whom feel that Drive to Survive often sacrifices accuracy for entertainment. While the series has undeniably brought new fans to the sport, it has also sparked debates about how much of what is shown is actually real.
