Drive to Survive: Claire Williams’ Husband Blasts Netflix for Ignoring Family’s F1 Exit

We, the fans, had been marking our calendars and waiting in anticipation for season 3 of Netflix’s F1 docuseries, Drive to Survive. As we binge-watched the series, it was evident that a few integral storylines were missing.

From Hulkenberg’s fairytale comeback to George Russell‘s rollercoaster Mercedes debut in Sakhir, there were a few noteworthy plotlines that never made it on the series. However, none was as significant and impactful as the exit of the Williams family.

Led by Frank Williams, their association with the sport had lasted for more than 40 years. It also yielded nine championships to the team. So, when they announced their decision to sell the team to Dorilton Capital, it was a big deal.

However, to our surprise, this emotional moment does not even get a mention in the series, let alone a whole episode. This not only irked the loyal fans of F1 but also a member of the family.

Marc Simon Harris, Claire Williams‘ husband, took to Instagram and voiced his displeasure with the Netflix crew. He believes it was disrespectful to not recognize the family’s timeless contribution to F1. He held nothing back on his post.

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Many believed that these storylines could not make the cut because of the unusual circumstances of last season. Because of the COVID protocols, the FIA had designated the crew a team for each race weekend. For example, they filmed Mercedes extensively in Sochi for the Russian GP.

Naturally, many speculated that the Netflix filing crew simply did not have the access to Williams. But Marc Harris has come forward to deny this theory.

“It’s easy to say there wasn’t access granted. No, access wasn’t granted to any film crew (other than the Williams own) to the very private moments when Claire had to tell the team that the family were having to sell and leave the sport they love and breathe for,” said Marc Harris.

“But an abundance of footage was made available by the team and all crews had access at all other times. What a shame it wasn’t used.”

Unfortunately, the series that we have all come to love rubbed a few people the wrong way. While it attracts a more global audience, it’s dismissed by the purists for its overt use of sensationalism and misconstrued information.