George Russell Defends Divisive Drive To Survive

George Russell has come out in support of the Formula 1 Netflix series “Drive To Survive,” which has garnered mixed reactions and divided fans with its latest Season 6 release.

The series has been acknowledged for boosting F1’s popularity over the years, yet it has faced criticism from traditionalist fans for its dramatization and lack of authenticity.

For example, a particular scene from the recent season shows Lewis Hamilton in Toto Wolff’s office supposedly signing a contract extension, but according to a report by Bild newspaper, the real signing did not occur in the manner portrayed.

“It was filmed specifically for Netflix,” the major German publication declared.

The producers also add car, tyre-screeching, crash and crowd sound effects, while faked ‘live’ commentary is inserted throughout the action sequences.

For those reasons, world champion Max Verstappen has been reluctant to take part at all in recent years. The Dutchman recalls one season in which they used statements he made from years earlier.

“It was stuff from 2018 that they used,” he declared. “My voice sounded completely different – younger. You’re supposed to get the impression that it’s from now, which is not right.”

Mercedes’ George Russell, however, says Drive To Survive is now “so important for all of us in Formula 1” that he accepts the Hollywood tactics.

“We’ve seen how the sport has changed for the better over the years, how interaction with the fans has increased, how new people have come into the sport,” he told Bild.

“People are upset that everything is dramatised, but at the end of the day, like any documentary, you want to shine the best light on your sport and its history.

“As long as it has a positive impact on Formula 1, I don’t think there is a real problem with it,” Russell added.