Sainz criticizes TV approach in F1: More celebrities than races?

Carlos Sainz has expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Formula 1 races are broadcast, criticizing the excessive focus on the reactions of the drivers’ partners and celebrities during key moments of the competition. The Spanish driver pointed out that live coverage often overlooks crucial actions on the track. As an example, Sainz mentioned that his spectacular comeback in the Singapore Grand Prix, where he advanced from last position to tenth place, was not highlighted in the broadcast. Furthermore, Sainz lamented that the television coverage barely focused on the possibility of Fernando Alonso catching up to Lewis Hamilton in the final laps, preferring to mainly show the fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for second place.

Although television channels control their own coverage, the images from the track are directed by a Formula 1 world feed.

Sainz believes that it is an outdated practice to constantly show the reactions of partners, family members, and celebrities in the garage.

In statements to El Partidazo de COPE of Spain, Sainz commented: “It’s becoming a trend, which should have worked at the time when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, see celebrities on TV, the reactions.”

I understand that if there’s an overtaking maneuver, 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 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

Sainz 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.” The driver suggested that Formula 1 needs to re-evaluate where the limit is between sport and spectacle. Sainz concluded: “The rest is fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go a bit overboard showing celebrities and girlfriends.” Furthermore, he commented on the difficulty of moving around the paddock due to the large number of VIPs. “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 simply can’t move.” Formula 1 will continue with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on October 19.