--- title: "Max Verstappen Needs More Control to Return to Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’" description: "Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will only return to participating in Netflix's Drive to Survive if he can have more control over his image." date: "2022-07-03" modified: "2022-07-03" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/max-verstappen-needs-more-control-to-return-to-netflixs-drive-to-survive" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Max Verstappen Needs More Control to Return to Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’ ![]() *NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends the press conference after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 02, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)* Netflix's increasingly popular Formula 1 docuseries *Drive to Survive* often features first-hand interviews with drivers but one notable exception during this most recent season was Red Bull driver [Max Verstappen](). During an interview with the *[Associated Press]()* back in March, Verstappen said he sat out of the show's fourth season, which documented his championship win over Lewis Hamilton, because he felt the series often portrayed drivers inaccurately to create drama. Which is why, according to *[Motorsport]()*, he told reporters ahead of the thrilling British Grand Prix that he'll only return to the fifth season if he can have more "control with what I'm releasing." According to Verstappen, both he and Netflix have had positive talks about him returning for the show's fifth season. "I sat together with them and explained what I thought about it and what went wrong in the past," Verstappen told the press in Silverstone. "It was actually a very good, quick little chat. We'll try to improve from there." If he does return, though, it "needs to be more on my terms, otherwise there's no point to participate." ![]() *NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 02, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)* There's no denying the positive effect *Drive to Survive* has had on Formula 1, drastically increasing the sport's viewership around the world, especially in the United States. One of the reasons why it's become such a popular show is because of the personal drama it connects to the drivers. However, Verstappen feels that sometimes that drama is a bit manufactured and can show drivers in a bad light. "You need to be able to say: 'Sorry guys, I don't really think that makes me look good.' Sometimes you don't even know there is a camera around, and they can use that." he said. It's unclear if Verstappen will be a part of *Drive to Survive* next season but his current F1 season is going well for him so far. Verstappen still currently holds a commanding lead in the driver standings, even after damage to his car caused him to finish seventh place in Silverstone. The next season of *Drive to Survive* will cover this current Formula 1 season, and will release next spring 2023. Season five should have plenty of drama to begin with, including the ongoing [porpoising ]()issue many teams are facing and the recently [public issues of racism.]() Netflix has also already given the green light to a sixth season, so the show will go on with or without Verstappen's involvement. *Have any tips? Send them to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()