Drive to Survive’s Scary Freedom in F1 Paddock Increases Despite Max Verstappen’s Pointing Out Concerns in the Past

Formula 1’s popularity has risen meteorically in the past couple of years. Naturally, the sport is under massive scrutiny from the public and media eye. That being said, it must not be forgotten that they’ve been able to make it this big on the back of Netflix’s support. The critically successful ‘Drive to Survive’ docuseries have played a big role in raising the fortunes of everyone involved with F1. But has this very association also started the snowballing demise of the credibility of the sport?

The events of 2021 Abu Dhabi can be highlighted as the first big blot after the DTS era began. The controversial circumstances in which the world title was decided in favor of Max Verstappen have caught the ire of many. In its aftermath, it has been speculated that decisions in the sport are heavily influenced by the viewership demands rather than the essential demands of the sport. But with the count of eyebrow-raising decisions on the up, a scathing review of the game has been delivered.

F1 accused of pandering and rule-bending despite Max Verstappen’s concerns

The entire F1 community has been left appalled on many occasions due to the decisions of the stewards and the FIA on many occasions since. Sometimes with the absurdity of it all, and sometimes with how delayed the response is. Now, in light of the whole debacle, a very strong accusation has been slung F1’s way by an accredited journalist.

In a recent Tweet posted by Motorsport.com, they quoted Times columnist Martin Samuel making some really harsh and controversial comments about the sport. He was quoted as saying, “Formula 1 no longer provides content for Drive to Survive, Drive to Survive itself directs the content of the sport.” [translated via Google Translate]

Even Verstappen was quoted by Motorsport.com saying, “I watched a few episodes of the last one and I was surprised, I suddenly found myself talking in it. And it’s probably stuff from like 2018 or something they picked up and used again – about fighting and what I like to do. But that already is not of course correct. I could hear that my voice was a bit different.”

“It’s just not my thing. And then of course they tried to pick moments – throughout the whole season – and fabricate it in a way.”

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Samuel and Verstappen aren’t the only ones who have had something to say about F1 losing it’s way.

Formula 1 slammed for copying NASCAR

F1 as a sport is considered to be the pinnacle of motorsport. That being said, the established giants are now on an expanding prowl. However, with that also comes some consequences. And according to F1 veteran Gary Anderson, F1 might have lost it’s way.

He was quoted by The Race as saying, “The FIA ​​is looking closely at the rules and looking at what rules there are for safety and what rules there are for show. It’s starting to look too much like NASCAR as far as I’m concerned.” [translated via Google Translate]

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Is F1 going down the path of ruin?