The forthcoming season of the Formula 1 Netflix series, Drive To Survive, will delve into the controversy surrounding Christian Horner and the ongoing turmoil within Red Bull's ranks.
Awarded producer James Gay-Rees, renowned for his work on groundbreaking yet divisive F1 documentaries, claims that Horner holds him responsible for the current chaos threatening Red Bull's harmony.
"That's what Christian said to me," he shared with the Telegraph newspaper. "'This is all your fault'."
He added with a grin, "But apparently Lewis losing the 2021 championship was all our fault too."
Gay-Rees acknowledges the transformative effect the Netflix series has had on Formula 1's image, attracting a new, younger audience.
"Liberty (Media) knew they needed to get younger people involved," he remarked, "but I don't think in their wildest dreams they thought 16-year-old girls in LA would be watching Formula 1 races."
In light of Max Verstappen's current dominance on the track, Gay-Rees mentioned that the next season must address the situation involving Horner and Red Bull.
"It's problematic from a narrative point of view because it's so one-sided," he pointed out.
Concerning the Horner controversy, "It will have to be referenced in some capacity," he concedes.
"They will all want it to be told in a particular way, so it's about treading that line to keep everybody happy, and to keep Netflix happy, and us - so we can sleep at night with the decisions we've made."
In Melbourne, the buzz around the Horner-Red Bull controversy had simmered down, partly because of whispers that Verstappen may have considered leaving the team.
"I think Horner is looking ok for the time being," Gay-Rees noted, "but it doesn't feel like it's done yet. It will all depend on how it plays out."
"I don't know what he got up to, and I genuinely don't have an opinion on it - but he's been through it and you wouldn't wish that on anybody."
