We all are well aware of Formula 1’s boom in the American subcontinent. There are many factors that contributed to the huge spike in popularity. However, one cannot forget the Netflix series Drive to Survive’s contribution. Although despite its positive effects, the show is often accused of over-dramatizing the events and creating unreal storylines. With the release of season five, the show once again came under fire, this time by Esteban Ocon, for “reflecting reality, but in a strange way.”

The Frenchman outperformed in 2022 and pushed the team to a fourth-place finish in the constructor’s standings, driving alongside Fernando Alonso. However, the French team was still not on par with the frontrunners and hardly ever challenged for a win. That still does not translate to the Frenchman or the team settling for an eight-place finish.

However, DTS in episode five showcased that is exactly how Ocon celebrated his eighth-place finish at the French GP. Speaking to Race Fans, Ocon revealed the show manipulated his post-race radio message.

“It’s reflecting reality, but in a strange way,” said Ocon. “I always find strange where, for example, I finished P8 in France, and I said ‘this felt like a win today’. I never said that! I think I probably said that when we finished fifth in Austria or fourth in Japan, but not when I finished eighth in France.”

“These things feel strange,” Ocon admitted.

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These altered storylines are exactly why Max Verstappen boycotted the show and made truth the utmost priority before appearing in the latest season. However, it seems this commitment was only limited to the Dutchman.

Although, despite the altered narrative, Ocon remains understanding.

Esteban Ocon turns a blind eye toward DTS’s slight alterations

There were plenty of scenarios in Ocon and Alpine’s 2022 season that could’ve been amplified with strategic editing by DTS. For example, the show could’ve easily amplified Ocon and Alonso’s falling out. However, the creators of the show went with only slight alterations and Ocon understands their need to dramatize the show.

“But I guess it’s part of the show. We can’t complain on being in such a high-viewed platform,” he said and even called the show “awesome”. In fact, the Frenchman doesn’t have any complaints about how he is being presented but doesn’t wanna sound like he’s satisfied with an eighth-place finish when he wants to fight for wins.

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The Frenchman understands the show’s importance for the sport and is willing to look the other way on the false optimism. However, do you think Ocon will have the same reaction if it involved fluffing the tension between him and Alonso?