Jeremy Clarkson has lashed out at one of Netflix’s biggest shows for pandering to ‘new thinking’.
The streaming service has delivered some TV gold in recent weeks, from Stephen Graham’s Adolescence to Meghan Markle’s comeback in With Love, Meghan.
But Clarkson has avoided commenting on the Duchess of Sussex this time, and has instead fumed over the new series of Drive To Survive.
The Formula 1 documentary has run for seven seasons since 2019, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s fastest motorsport.
It’s been credited with growing F1’s popularity, showing the drama and rivalries taking place in the high-octane world of racing.
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But Top Gear star Clarkson isn’t having it, and has claimed this season has fewer ‘altercations’ than previous ones.
Writing in his column in The Sun, the 64-year-old presenter addressed the media attention F1 drivers deal with, saying: ‘You are forced, by the small print in your contract, and because your lawyers aren’t as good as your team’s lawyers, to face this onslaught with a smile. Not any more, it seems.’
He pointed out Max Verstappen talking about the rain affecting his race and politely saying: ‘It will make the track more slippery, and I’ll have to take that into consideration.’
Clarkson said: ‘This new thinking definitely had an effect on those most recent series of Drive To Survive.
‘In the early days, we were regularly treated to hissed altercations, as people didn’t realise they were being recorded.
‘Now, whenever anyone sees a Netflix microphone, they go into PR mode.
‘Aston Martin didn’t take part at all. It’s like they simply weren’t there. And I approve of this.
‘A Formula One driver should have some mystique.’
He added: ‘I actually don’t want to know what they’re doing after the race or where they go on holiday or whether they prefer biscuits to cheese.’
Executive producer Tom Hutchings previously teased of the latest series of Drive to Survive: ‘We follow the best human stories, we know that’s what will resonate with the viewer in the best possible way and will pack a bigger punch.’
The series follows the likes of Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Christian Horner and Lando Norris through pivotal moments of their career, with fans calling it ‘the best one’.
Dory M wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: ‘I watched every season and this season is by far the best one! The focus is on the best teams in Formula One, on the most interesting stories and events, no waste of time with teams and drivers in the back of the grid.’
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Jack B added: ‘DTS has returned to form. The last couple of seasons felt like they were making the documentary just to make another season of the documentary. They did a great job at capturing many of the stories that went on last season, however they strayed from going too far into the controversial ones.’
Esteban C wrote: ‘season seven and i have to say it was one of the most enjoyable yet! it summarized the most important moments from the 2024 season, and it gave somewhat of an insight behind the drama that went on between drivers, team principals and teams!
‘Of course there were moments missing that i wished they have dived into… but overall, helped me refresh my memory ahead of this year’s season and it was a recap of, as will buxton said, one of the most interesting/crazy seasons in formula one history!’
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Drive to Survive is available to watch on Netflix.
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