In recent years, Formula 1 has seen an exponential increase in fans worldwide, thanks in part to partnerships with brands and with the television programs such as Netflix's Drive to Survive. The U.S. streaming giant entered in the F1 Circus seven years ago, helping to grow the popularity, especially in the United States, a Nation that has historically been difficult to conquer due to the strong presence of acclaimed motorsport categories such as IndyCar and NASCAR.
However, within days of its release, the final season of the docuseries sparked much criticism. Longtime F1 fans have always viewed the Netflix product with suspicion, accusing it of artificially emphasizing rivalries and distorting reality to make the show more compelling.
Even Max Verstappen had criticized the show in the past, even going so far as to threaten not to participate in the filming of the new season, claiming that the narrative was fictional and lacked authenticity.
Causing even more controversy, however, is a video that has gone viral on social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, where a girl watches the episode dedicated to Lando Norris' first career victory last year in Miami.
The incriminating images concern the back of the podium. To increase the tension of the moment and fuel the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris, the production “artfully” edited scenes from two different Grands Prix, Miami and Zandvoort, making it appear that the Dutchman was unnerved by the Briton's triumph. The detail that unmasks this manipulation is in the caps worn by the top three finishers: in keeping with tradition, the drivers take the podium with a cap on which their final position and the national flag of the host country is sewn. In some shots the American flag is clearly seen, while in others the Dutch flag inexplicably appears, revealing the montage made to make share. Below is the video where everything is shown.
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