Horner says Netflix edited him as Formula 1 villain

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 16:35 · Archive

Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner says the Netflix docuseries 'Drive to Survive' edited interactions to portray him as a villain for dramatic effect.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has said that Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' docuseries edited his interactions to portray him as a villain for dramatic effect. In an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Horner explained the production team's approach to creating a dramatised narrative, noting that 'what they love is a rivalry, and sometimes you know you're the villain, sometimes you're the hero'.

Horner became a central figure in the series, often pitted against Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and McLaren CEO Zak Brown. He acknowledged his role in the narrative, stating: 'In my case, I was probably more the villain because it suited their rhetoric for making a TV show.' Despite the negative portrayal, he said Red Bull Racing continued to grant Netflix unrestricted access because the docuseries brought billions of dollars to the championship, turning the team into a globally recognised commercial powerhouse.

Horner described the series' impact on Formula 1 as significant. He noted that team valuations have 'gone stratospheric' since the series began, and the sport has attracted millions of new viewers, creating a new fanbase. He said the series has been 'an absolute gamechanger in the sport.' This new era has seen fans treat the sport with increased tribal mentality, polarising those at the top of the pitwall, though Horner said he remains unphased by criticism directed at him on social media.

How it is being reported

• Christian Horner on being made the 'villian' in Netflix seriesRed Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has spoken out about his portrayal as the "villain" in the Netflix docuseries "Drive to Survive."Oxford Mail · 29 Oct, 16:00
• Christian Horner on being made the 'villian' in Netflix seriesRed Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has spoken out about his portrayal as the "villain" in the Netflix docuseries "Drive to Survive."Oxfordshire Guardian · 29 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Christian Horner · Red Bull Racing · Toto Wolff · Mercedes · Zak Brown · McLaren · Netflix · Formula 1

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