Carlos Sainz, a renowned Formula 1 driver, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way live races are broadcast, pointing out an excessive focus on the reactions of the drivers’ partners and celebrities during crucial moments.
Sainz, after a remarkable comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he advanced from last place to tenth, lamented that this achievement was not highlighted in the live broadcast, which, in his opinion, lacked emotion.
The television coverage also downplayed the intense fight between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, prioritizing the battle for second place between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Although television networks control the coverage around live sessions and races, the on-track images are directed by a centralized global signal 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cuts to the reactions of couples, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showcasing the sport.
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Sainz argues that, although reactions can be relevant at key moments, they should not overshadow the main action of the race.“It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked for them at some point, when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, to see celebrities on television, the reactions,” Sainz declared to El Partidazo de COPE in Spain.
Carlos Sainz
The driver regretted that the overtakes he made at the end of the race were not shown, nor was Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of Lewis Hamilton, thus missing crucial moments. Sainz suggests that Formula 1 needs to reconsider the balance between sport and spectacle.“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 if they’ve seen it has 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.
Carlos Sainz
The driver also commented on the difficulty of moving around the paddock due to the large number of VIPs present. Formula 1 will continue with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.“The other thing is fine, but we must not lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go a little overboard showing celebrities and girlfriends,” he added.
Carlos Sainz
