Damson Idris, who appears with Brad Pitt in the new Formula 1 film, has addressed the portrayal of Max Verstappen in the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive, which serves as a major entry point for new F1 fans. Idris shared his perspective after realizing that Verstappen’s depiction as a solitary figure without close relationships with other drivers contrasts with the reality behind the scenes. This discussion comes amid ongoing debates about how the 27-year-old Red Bull Racing driver is presented in the media.
Max Verstappen’s Views on “Drive to Survive” and His Media Representation
The Netflix series Drive to Survive follows a Formula 1 season each year and has brought considerable attention to the sport. Verstappen has long maintained that the show casts him as a villain to amplify dramatic effect, a portrayal he felt was inaccurate. This led him to opt out of interviews during the show’s third and fourth seasons. Returning for the fifth season, he emphasized his desire for a fair depiction.
Of course, I understand when you create a show, there needs to be drama, it needs to be exciting,
Verstappen said.
But I’m a guy who finds it also very important that you’re portrayed well, and that they do not start to copy comments on the different kinds of footage while it didn’t happen like that. I had to explain it to them that that was my view. Otherwise, I didn’t want to be part of it. But yes, they understood.
He added further,
Let’s see, once it comes out, what they made of it. But I’m positive of course, because I know it’s also very important for Formula 1.
Damson Idris Reveals the Reality of Driver Relationships
Despite Verstappen’s sometimes blunt interviews and fiery communications during races that contribute to his tough reputation, Idris observed a different dynamic among the drivers. After attending a driver briefing and experiencing the interactions firsthand, he found strong camaraderie and mutual respect within the paddock.
We went to an actual driver briefing, so we were in the room with every single driver, and it was the first time that I got to see them all together and see all of their little relationships,
Idris told MovieZine. He described how drivers often switch teams, shifting the nature of friendships and rivalries, saying,
You know, throughout the world of Formula 1, they trade seats so much so you’re friends with this guy, but then he becomes someone you have to race against.
Idris added insight on the intensity of competition within teams, noting that sometimes the toughest rival is a teammate. Many drivers have competed against each other since childhood, creating deep and complex connections.
I always thought outside looking in that Max Verstappen didn’t have any friends, that’s how he is kind of portrayed in the media, but from being in the world of Formula 1, they all love each other. They all get along, Max is cool with everyone, so that was something that was really surprising to me, and it was brilliant to be able to have that knowledge when making the film.
Understanding the Impact of Media Portrayal on Verstappen’s Image
The contrast between Verstappen’s real relationships and his media image reflects broader questions about how narratives are shaped in motorsports. His stance on how Drive to Survive illustrates his awareness of the influence such portrayals have on public perception and the sport’s popularity worldwide. Verstappen’s cautious involvement in the documentary underscores his intent to balance drama with authenticity.
With Idris’s firsthand experience offering fresh insight into the F1 paddock’s social fabric, fans and viewers may reconsider the simplified “villain” label often assigned to Verstappen. As the latest season of Drive to Survive is released, the narrative surrounding the four-time world champion could evolve, potentially reshaping his public standing and further engaging F1 enthusiasts around the globe.
