Carlos Sainz has voiced his concerns about the way Formula 1 races are broadcasted, stating that the focus on celebrities and their partners has become excessive. The race footage is managed through a single global feed, which means that broadcasters like Sky Sports can only show the content provided by Formula One.
Sainz, who competes for Williams, expressed his frustration after his last-minute push during the Singapore Grand Prix was barely shown on television last Sunday. Fans also felt disappointed as they missed Fernando Alonso’s attempt to overtake Lewis Hamilton in the final lap. Hamilton had to carefully navigate his Ferrari across the finish line due to a brake failure.
Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, Sainz said, “It’s becoming a bit of a trend, which must have worked for them once upon a time, when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, to see famous people on TV, the reactions.”
He continued, “I understand that if there is an overtake, a very tense moment in the race, it is understandable that the production team might want to show a reaction shot if they have seen that it has worked in the past. But [it should only be shown] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.”
“Last weekend they didn’t show any of the four of five overtakes I did at the end, nor did they show Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis – they missed a lot of things.”
Sainz is also critical of the number of celebrities and VIPs present in the paddock before races. He said, “Don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little showing the celebrities and girlfriends.”
“Sometimes there are so many VIPs in the paddock you can’t even walk. We move by bike or scooter [in the paddock] because if you don’t, you just can’t get around.”
Sainz’s comments highlight a growing concern among drivers about the balance between entertainment and racing coverage. While the inclusion of celebrities and personal moments can add a human element to the sport, many believe that the core of Formula 1 should remain the races themselves.
Fans and drivers alike have expressed disappointment with the lack of focus on key moments during races. The issue is not just about missing overtakes or dramatic finishes but also about how the sport is perceived by its audience. There is a sense that the emphasis on non-racing content could alienate traditional fans who are more interested in the action on the track.
The debate over broadcast content is likely to continue as Formula 1 seeks to attract a broader audience while maintaining the integrity of the sport. With the increasing use of social media and digital platforms, the challenge for broadcasters is to find the right mix of content that appeals to both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
As the sport evolves, it will be important for Formula 1 to listen to the voices of those who live and breathe the racing world. After all, the heart of Formula 1 is the competition, and ensuring that the races are shown in their truest form is essential for the future of the sport.
