For the first time since its inception, the popularity of Formula 1 is peaking. The sport is generating unprecedented traction among the fans, especially among the ones in America. It is a masterstroke by the owner, Liberty Media. However, one cannot discount the contribution of the Netflix series Drive to Survive (DTS). The series did face criticism from the drivers for sensationalizing some events, and Max Verstappen even refused to participate. However, the Dutchman in particular has come around, but with a non-negotiable request.

The Dutchman will feature in the fifth and latest season of DTS. A lot of confused fans from the orange army were looking for answers to this sudden change of heart from the Red Bull man. Now, we finally have an answer, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.

“Drive To Survive has been very important for the diffusion of F1.” Said Verstappen and continued, “And I understand that as a world champion, I have to participate in a product of this kind. I have always said that I wanted to appear as I really am. I talked about it with the managers of the series and they understood my point of view. I hope they understood my message. I understand the need to make fiction spectacular, but I’m a guy who cares a lot about giving a true image of himself and I asked that this be respected.” (Translated via Google)

Read More: 18 Days To Go, Drive to Survive Craze Takes Over F1 World In Bizarre Form

The Dutchman reiterated his point about the French news outlet. However, despite his reasoning, the Dutchman is facing some backlash for backtracking on his original decision.

Fans call Max Verstappen a hypocrite for backtracking on the DTS stand

The fans were quick to take to social media to call out the reigning world champion for backtracking on his original stance on the show. Verstappen often pointed out the flaws in the show. This is exactly what the fans pointed out when his participation in season five was announced.

Fans took to social media to react to Verstappen’s participation news. One user, @ahmed_baokbah quoted Verstappen’s past comments. He simply tweeted, “I will not be in drive to survive it’s fake, I don’t like this fake drama it’s Bull**it.”

Apart from @ahmed_baokbah, another user @premystic called Verstappen out. He tweeted, “Now Max wants to be in Drive to Survive after every narrative is flipped in his favour. The same person who called it fake for many years, suddenly it’s ok when he is winning. The hypocrisy is crazy “

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You can’t win the all would be Verstappen’s outlook on the entire situation. However, it will be interesting to see how the Dutchman reacts if the show doesn’t respect his demand and show his authentic self.