Formula 1 and Netflix producers have come to the defence of 'Drive to Survive' amid sharp criticism from top drivers Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Verstappen has long been vocal about his disdain for the show's dramatised, Hollywood-style flair, even opting out of participating in some seasons entirely.
One scene from the latest edition depicted the four-time world champion appearing distraught over Lando Norris' first win in Miami—yet eagle-eyed viewers noted he was wearing a cap he only donned at Zandvoort last year.
Netflix called it an "unintentional error".
"Apparently I was very sad after Miami," Verstappen said. "I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don't know what I was upset about."
McLaren's Norris accused Netflix of "lying" about the real behind-the-scenes dynamics in F1.
"I don't think you can paint someone in the wrong picture when it's not the truth," he said. "That line needs to be made clear.
"I don't want made-up scripts and fabricated nonsense, which there is."
Even fans expressed dismay at how producers portrayed George Russell's apparent panic attack after a sweltering Singapore race, alongside constant digs at his status as a top-tier driver.
"There's always an agenda for the best storyline possible," the Mercedes driver said, "and that's just the way the world is with these entertainment programs."
A 'Drive to Survive' spokesperson stood by the show's approach, acknowledging its goal to "help make F1 appeal to a wider audience".
As such, "we tell these stories in an entertaining and compelling way, which has helped drive leagues of new fans to the sport, a legacy we're incredibly proud of.
"The series is produced under incredible schedule pressure, and sometimes mistakes do happen."
A Formula 1 official also staunchly supported the Netflix series.
"We should focus on the positive impact of the series and not criticise something that has been beneficial to the whole sport," the spokesperson said.
