Sainz criticizes F1 coverage: Too many celebrities and little focus on the race

Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has expressed his criticism of the way races are broadcast live, pointing out an excessive focus on the reactions of the drivers’ girlfriends and celebrities during crucial moments. Sainz lamented that his outstanding comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he advanced from last position to tenth place, was not covered in the live broadcast. A race that, according to the driver, lacked the necessary emotion. Live coverage also downplayed Fernando Alonso’s intense pursuit of Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, preferring to focus on the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for second place. While television networks control the coverage they offer during the sessions and the race, the on-track images are directed by a single global Formula 1 provider. It’s common for broadcasts to include cuts to the reactions of brides, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to presenting the sport.

It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked for them at some point, when people seemed interested in seeing our girlfriends, seeing celebrities on television, the reactions. Sainz commented for El Partidazo de COPE, that he understands the need to show reactions at key moments, but criticizes that it is done at the expense of the action on the track. “Last weekend they didn’t show any of the four or five overtakes I made at the end. They also didn’t show Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis… a lot of things were missed,” added Sainz. The driver suggests that Formula 1 needs to reconsider the balance between sport and spectacle. “The other thing is fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, you go a bit overboard showing celebrities and girlfriends,” he added. “Sometimes there are so many VIPs in the paddock that you can’t even walk. We move around by bike or scooter because, otherwise, you can’t move,” he concluded. Formula 1 continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.