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The docu-series, now filming its fourth season,
has been credited as a big factor in fuelling the sport's growth
in the United States.
Dutch 24-year-old Verstappen earlier told the Associated Press
that he recognised the importance of the series but did not like
being a part of it and would not be giving any interviews.
Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton,
Verstappen's title rival, told reporters at the U.S. Grand Prix
in Austin, Texas, that he had noticed a surge in interest in the
country.
"In this last couple of years it's been the steepest rise and
more and more people are talking about it, more and more people
engaging," he said.
"The amount of emails and messages I get from people I've known
for years in the States and who never knew what I was doing and
now are hooked and can't wait to come. I think a lot of them are
coming this weekend."
Verstappen's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, a two-times race
winner who featured heavily last season, said he respected what
the documentary was doing.
"What it has done for Formula One is tremendous. It’s really
something I appreciate," he said.
"The way they sell the sport is a bit of a drama. It is a show
but at the end of the day it is good for the sport and is good
for the fans so I am happy with it."
McLaren's Lando Norris, voted the second-most popular driver
after Verstappen in a fan survey published on Thursday, also
appreciated the show.
"I'm fine with it," he said. "I think it's a cool thing. Coming
to America there are so many people who are now into Formula One
just because of watching 'Drive to Survive.' I think I come
across on it alright.
"I think they do a good job. I can't really speak on behalf of
Max."
His Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo agreed: "Most of us
experience the effect it's had on the sport. There's certainly
been a lot of growth and I honestly see that most in America.
"There's times where you want a little bit of space or privacy
but I do think if you let them know no cameras in this room they
are pretty good with that."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London; Editing by Stephen Coates)
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