F1 News: Max Verstappen Opens Up On Drive To Survive Season 5 Return

The Red Bull driver has explained why he has returned to the hit show.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes that his status requires him to be a part of the Netflix Drive to Survive series. Despite being a popular show that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Grand Prix racing, it has sparked controversy over the past four seasons. Some have accused the series of fabricating drama between drivers.

In the fourth season, which chronicled Verstappen's championship-winning campaign, the Dutch driver decided not to participate in the series and refused to give any interviews or appear on camera. However, his position has changed for the fifth season, which is expected to explore Verstappen's title defence in 2022 and the Red Bull team's dethroning of Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.

The Drive to Survive series has played a huge role in allowing F1 to make headway in the American market after decades of trying. With three Grand Prix races planned for 2023 in the US, Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, it is vital for the sport to continue growing. After discussions with the production team, Verstappen is now happy to take part in the series once again and believes it is "important" for the growth of F1.

During an interview with RacingNews365.com, the two-time champion explained:

"I spoke with them of course before I was going to give an interview.

"I hope that they understood my message, and I also know that especially being a World Champion, you have to be part of something like that.

"So I gave them like 30 minutes to one hour of an interview and I hope that they are going to use it.

"I don't know when I'm going to watch it, but I hope they are happy. And I hope that I can be happy after watching it - I know it is important to F1 as well for growing the sport in general.

Drive to Survive season five will be released on Netflix on 24 February.