Sainz criticizes F1 approach: “Too many celebrities, not enough action on track”

Carlos Sainz, a prominent figure in Formula 1, has voiced his criticism regarding the way live races are broadcast, pointing out an excessive focus on the reactions of the drivers’ partners and celebrities during crucial moments. The Spanish driver regretted that the exciting comeback he made in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he advanced from last position to tenth place, was not properly covered by the live broadcast. Furthermore, the television coverage barely focused on Fernando Alonso’s attempt to catch Lewis Hamilton, of Ferrari, in the final laps. Instead, most of the on-track footage was dedicated to the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for second place. While television broadcasters control the look of their coverage during live sessions and the race, the on-track footage is controlled by a single world feed directed by Formula 1. It’s common for broadcasts to include cuts to the reactions of couples, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showing the sport.

Sainz declared to El Partidazo de COPE in Spain:

“It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked for them at some point when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, see famous people on television, the reactions.”

Carlos Sainz

“I understand that if there’s an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it’s understandable that the production team wants to show a reaction shot if they’ve seen that it’s worked in the past… but [they should only do it] if the competition is respected and the important moments of the race are always shown.” “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.” Sainz suggested that Formula 1 needs to re-evaluate where the limit is between sport and spectacle. «The other [is] fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go a little 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 [in the paddock] because if not, you simply can’t move». F1 continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19th.