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 of the competition.
Sainz, after his outstanding comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he advanced from the back of the grid to tenth place, lamented that this feat was not covered in the live broadcast. The television coverage, according to the driver, also overlooked Fernando Alonso’s intense fight to catch Lewis Hamilton, focusing on the battle for second place between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Although television broadcasters control the appearance of their coverage during live sessions and the race, the on-track images are directed by a single Formula 1 world feed.
It’s common for the broadcast to include cuts to the reactions of brides, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showcasing the sport.
Sainz added that, although he understands the need to show reactions at key moments, such as an overtake, he believes that the production should prioritize the important moments of the race. “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… many things were missed,” he lamented. Sainz suggests that Formula 1 needs to re-evaluate the line between sport and spectacle. “The other thing is fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go a little too far showing celebrities and girlfriends,” he added. The driver also pointed out the saturation of personalities in the paddock, hindering mobility. “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 just can’t move,” he concluded. Formula 1 will continue with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.“It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked for them at some point when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, see celebrities on television, the reactions,” Sainz commented to El Partidazo de COPE.
Carlos Sainz
