Sainz Criticizes F1 Coverage: Too Many Celebrities and Missing Key Moments

Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz 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 at crucial moments. Sainz criticized the television coverage, which, according to him, missed key moments of the race, such as his impressive comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he climbed from last position to tenth place. Live coverage also downplayed the intense battle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, focusing primarily on Max Verstappen’s defense against Lando Norris for second place. Although television networks control the coverage they offer, the images from the track are directed by a single global feed managed 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cuts to the reactions of couples, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showcasing the sport.

It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked back in the day when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, see celebrities on television, the reactions. Sainz commented that, although he understands that the production team may show a reaction to an overtake or a tense moment, this should not be done at the expense of the crucial moments of the race. The driver regretted that the overtakes he made at the end of the race were not shown, nor Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of Lewis Hamilton, thus missing important moments. Sainz suggested that Formula 1 needs to reconsider the limits between sport and spectacle. Furthermore, he added that sometimes there are so many VIPs in the paddock that it’s difficult to move around, and that the drivers have to use bicycles or scooters to get around. Formula 1 continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.