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

Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way races are broadcast live, pointing out an excess of emphasis on the reactions of the drivers’ partners and celebrities during crucial moments. Sainz, who starred in a spectacular comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, advancing from last position to tenth place, regretted that this achievement was not highlighted in the live broadcast, which, according to his words, largely lacked emotion. The television coverage also overlooked Fernando Alonso’s intense fight to catch Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari in the final laps, focusing primarily on Max Verstappen’s defense against Lando Norris in the battle 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 race images to include cuts to the reactions of partners, family, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showcasing the sport.

“It’s becoming a trend, it must have worked for them at some point when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, see celebrities on television, the reactions,” Sainz declared to El Partidazo de COPE in Spain.

“I understand that if there is an overtaking maneuver, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team wants to show a reaction shot if they have seen that 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

“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,” he added. Sainz suggested that Formula 1 needs to re-evaluate where the line is between sport and spectacle. “The rest 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 get around by bike or scooter [in the paddock] because otherwise, you just can’t move.” F1 continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.