McLaren: Misrepresentations in 'Drive to Survive' just 'entertainment'

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McLaren boss Zak Brown is unbothered by how Netflix docu-series 'Drive to Survive' has distorted the relationship between drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, insisting the misrepresentation is just "entertainment".

Season 3 of DtS which covers F1's eventful 2020 campaign is trending at the top Netflix most watched shows, but not all F1 fans are happy with how the series often embellishes or somewhat distorts the stories going on behind the scenes.

Sainz and Norris famously enjoyed a cheery and harmonious relationship at McLaren. Yet a spice of conflict and tension was edited into their portrayal, and the Ferrari-bound Sainz is seen as the odd man out.

But Brown was unbothered by DTS' deviation from the facts and creative licence, insisting the series' primary goal is to entertain.

"[Look at] Top Gun, you watch it, and I'm sure every fighter pilot went, you can't do that in a jet. But it was a great movie," commented the McLaren boss.

"So, of course, all of us living in the sport know that Carlos and Lando had a great relationship, and there wasn't the kind of a tension portrayed there.

"Any time you get into a television show, they're going to create some entertainment that we all within the paddock know, maybe it wasn't quite like that.

"But I think that's okay, and I think what's most important is it has done some wonderful things to bring in new fans around the world.

"So we're very supportive of Netflix and what they're trying to accomplish, even if they take a little bit of creative licence here and there."

Read also: Williams family incensed by 'disgraceful' Netflix DtS snub

In Brown's view, the impact of 'Drive to Survive' on its core audience is positive while the series' ability to attract new fans to the sport is indisputable.

"I think Netflix has been great for F1," said the American. "I think it was number one in 25 countries.

"So I think the primary goal of Netflix is to entertain and bring new viewers to F1. And I think it's accomplished that tenfold, which is great."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.