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Verstappen on Drive to Survive snub: 'I won't change my mind'

Max Verstappen says he won't change his mind about not taking part in Netflix's Drive to Survive, the reigning world champion refusing to participate in the series' "hyped up" narrative.

Verstappen, who was voted F1's most popular driver last year by the sport's fan community, has been critical of the popular Netflix docu-series ever since its inception in 2018.

"They faked a few rivalries which they don’t really exist," Verstappen said last year in Austin.

"So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show."

Speaking in Bahrain on Thursday, just a day before the fourth season of Drive to Survive is released on Netflix, Verstappen said that his opinion on the series hasn't changed since last year.

"No, I won’t change my mind," said the Dutchman.

"I think that was already ruined after Season 1. I think I’m quite a down to earth guy, and I just want it to be facts and don’t hype it up.

Read also: Netflix releases amazing official trailer for 'Drive to Survive'

"I understand of course it needs to be like that for Netflix, that’s what every series on there as well or documentary or whatever you call it, it’s just not my thing."

Despite his refusal to take part in the docu-series, the twenty-time Grand Prix winner says that he will likely watch it on Netflix.

"I’ll probably watch it and see how over the top it is, and just continue with my life," he said. "I’ll probably watch some other documentaries on Netflix."

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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.