Carlos Sainz has openly criticized the Formula 1 broadcast team's focus on celebrities and drivers' partners, arguing that this shift in coverage undermines the true spirit of the competition. He insists that the core of Formula 1 should be on the racing itself, not on the off-track personalities. But here’s where it gets controversial—this debate over what the audience truly wants has sparked heated discussion among fans and experts alike.
Recently, many followers of the sport took to social media to express frustration over Formula One Management's (FOM) broadcast choices. Instead of showcasing the thrilling on-track battles, FOM has increased the visibility of girlfriends and famous guests in the paddock, sidelining what's happening in the race. This issue became especially clear during the Singapore Grand Prix, when the dramatic late-race scrap between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso was not broadcast, and Carlos Sainz’s own impressive moves went largely unnoticed on TV.
After the race, Sainz spoke candidly on the Spanish radio show El Partidazo on Cadena COPE. He acknowledged that showing reactions from friends and family can enhance the broadcast experience, but he believes that Formula 1 has gone too far with this approach. "It seems to have become a bit of a habit," he said. "At one point, viewers were interested in seeing our girlfriends and celebrities, but there's a balance. If there’s a crucial overtaking move or a tense moment, then showing reactions makes sense. If the production team noticed audience interest in those moments before, they will keep featuring them."
Yet Sainz, who hails from Madrid, stressed there should be a clear boundary—one that was crossed in Singapore. The broadcast missed many pivotal moments of the race, including his multiple overtakes and Alonso’s chase after Hamilton, depriving fans of some of the race’s most exciting highlights.
"As long as the competition is respected and key moments are prioritized, incorporating off-track reactions is fine," he commented. "But last weekend, they failed to show several critical passes I made and Alonso’s pursuit of Lewis, among other highlights. For me, the coverage even exaggerated the focus on celebrities and partners."
Formula 1 responded to Sainz’s remarks by defending their strategy. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to balancing intense racing action with contextual moments that capture fan reactions, guests’ experiences, and the unique atmosphere of each grand prix location.
"Our priority is always delivering the best possible race footage without compromising the fundamental focus on the on-track competition," they said. "Managing coverage of numerous cars spread across different parts of the circuit is a complex task, and we aim to enrich the viewer experience with context moments from the grandstands, notable guests, and iconic race venues. We continuously strive to improve what we offer to fans worldwide."
This debate raises a compelling question: should F1 broadcasts prioritize the raw, heart-pounding racing action over the glitz and glamour of the sidelines? Are we losing the essence of the sport in favor of celebrity culture? And this is the part most people miss—finding the right balance is incredibly challenging but essential.
What do you think? Should Formula 1 coverage return strictly to focusing on the competition, or is there room to celebrate the sport’s broader spectacle? Join the conversation and share your views below—do you agree with Sainz, or do you feel the current approach adds valuable color to the broadcasts?
