Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way races are broadcast live, pointing out an excessive focus on the reactions of the drivers’ partners and celebrities during crucial moments. Sainz believes that the current television coverage does not prioritize the action on the track, missing key moments of the competition.
A clear example was the Singapore Grand Prix, where Sainz’s spectacular comeback from the back of the grid to tenth place was practically ignored in the live broadcast.
Furthermore, the coverage barely focused on Fernando Alonso’s attempt to catch Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, preferring to mostly show the fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for second place. Although television channels control the appearance of their coverage, the on-track images are directed by a single world feed from Formula 1. Sainz criticizes the trend of showing the reactions of couples, family members, and celebrities in the garage, considering it an outdated approach to sports broadcasting.
Sainz understands that, in moments of tension, such as an overtaking maneuver, showing a reaction can be valid, but as long as the competition is respected and the important moments of the race are shown. The driver regretted that the four or five overtakes he made at the end of the race were not shown, nor Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of Lewis Hamilton, thus missing key moments of the competition. Sainz suggests that Formula 1 needs to re-evaluate the line between sport and spectacle. The pilot added:It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked at some point when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, celebrities on TV, the reactions.
Carlos Sainz
Sainz also mentioned the saturation of VIPs in the paddock, which makes it difficult for the drivers to move around. Formula 1 continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.The other thing is fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go a bit overboard showing the famous people and the girlfriends.
Carlos Sainz
