Most F1 drivers back Drive To Survive series

LONDON • Leading Formula One drivers defended the popular Netflix Drive To Survive fly-on-the-wall series on Thursday after Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen said he was snubbing it because he felt some of the rivalries were “faked”.

The docu-series, now filming its fourth season, has been credited as a big factor in fuelling greater interest in the sport in the United States.

Verstappen earlier told the Associated Press that he recognised the importance of the series but did not like being a part of it and would not be giving interviews.

Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen’s title rival, told reporters at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, that he had noticed a surge in interest in the country.