Sainz Criticizes F1 Coverage: Too Many Celebrities and Not Enough Sport

The Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Formula 1 races are broadcast, pointing out an excessive focus on the reactions of drivers’ girlfriends and celebrities during key moments of the competition. Sainz criticized the live coverage, arguing that crucial moments of the race are missed in favor of showing people unrelated to the competition.

An example of this was his outstanding comeback at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he managed to climb from the last position to tenth place. This achievement, according to the driver, was practically ignored by the broadcast.

Furthermore, the coverage barely focused on the intense fight between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, preferring to focus on Max Verstappen’s defense against Lando Norris for second place. Although television broadcasters control their own coverage, the images of the race are directed by a single Formula 1 world channel. It’s common to see cuts to the reactions of brides, family members, and celebrities in the garage, something that Sainz considers an outdated approach to showcasing the sport.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 told El Partidazo de COPE: “It’s becoming a trend, which must have worked for them at the time when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, famous people on TV, the reactions.”

“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 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”.

Carlos Sainz

The driver added: “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 lies between sport and spectacle. “The other thing 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 move around by bike or scooter [in the paddock] because if not, you just can’t move.” Formula 1 will continue with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.