After the end of the 2021 season, Max Verstappen openly claimed that he would no more be a part of the Drive To Survive Franchise and would not be sitting for the interviews.
In achieving high drama and arousing the fans’ interest, he reasoned that the series exaggerated things, fabricating the drivers’ actual image. Thus, harming their reputation.
But during the 2022 season, his entourage confirmed that he would return to the series and is willing to give interviews. Surely, it will be a big boost to the series as the sitting world champion is ready to tell his side of the story across the 2022 season. The season will release on February 25.
Also read: Christian Horner was shocked after Aussie driver denied the 2023 Alpine seat
Max Verstappen reacts to his return to the DTS hot seat
Throughout the entirety of the series, DTS chips in expert comments from the drivers, journalists and key members of the sport. In the first look released by F1, they have kept a second-long footage of Verstappen telling how he feels back upon his return.
“How are you feeling about being in the chair,” asks the interviewer to Verstappen. “Alright,” replies Verstappen with a grin. The Dutchman surely will have some of his highlights from the season to share. The year he dominated like no one else.
Formula 1: Drive To Survive returns February 24 — and here’s your first look at Season 5! pic.twitter.com/17R4SAGck6
— Netflix (@netflix) January 12, 2023
This year, he was in fewer controversies than in 2021, where he had intense scuffles with Lewis Hamilton. The only tense moment he had this season was with his teammate Sergio Perez in Brazil.
Less drama this year?
Over the past seasons, DTS has been criticized for having ‘unnecessary drama’. A little spice is needed to attract the fans and keep the profits up. But several drivers and fans started complaining that too much exaggeration is killing the actual fun of the sport.
Last year, F1 CE Stefano Domenicali even warned Netflix about halting the future of the series if it continues. So, this year seeing Verstappen coming back, maybe Netflix promised to tone down their narration.
However, the series has a few prominent allies in the sport too. Drivers like Perez and Lando Norris have credited the series for expanding the fanbase exponentially. Therefore, they believe it should continue as long as it can.
Also read: Lewis Hamilton warned that Max Verstappen has room for improvement as he eyes 2023 title battle
