F1 Driver Carlos Sainz Is Calling Out F1 for Turning Races into a Celebrity Watch Party
Carlos Sainz has voiced a growing frustration shared by many Formula 1 fans: the sport’s race coverage is becoming more about celebrities than racing. After the Singapore Grand Prix, the Williams driver criticized F1’s broadcast team for showing constant shots of famous guests and drivers’ partners instead of on-track battles. His strong drive went unseen, which left viewers with missed overtakes and incomplete race coverage.
Missed Overtakes in Singapore
The FI driver made a late charge in Singapore and climbed to tenth place after starting in thirteenth. Yet viewers never saw his four or five overtakes because the live feed focused elsewhere. Instead of showing Sainz’s progress through the field, the cameras cut to pit lane shots and famous guests’ appearances.
At the same time, Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps went entirely unnoticed. The chase ended with Alonso finishing just four-tenths behind Hamilton, but it didn’t appear on-screen. Fans expressed discontent online and argued that vital race moments were skipped for non-racing content.
Centralized Control of the Broadcast
Formula 1 manages all race footage through a single global “world feed,” meaning broadcasters like Sky Sports don’t control what viewers see during live coverage. Every network receives the same images chosen by F1’s central production team. In recent seasons, that feed has increasingly highlighted celebrities and drivers’ partners in the paddock to give the broadcasts a more entertainment-driven focus.
Sainz argued that while a reaction shot can occasionally add context, it should never replace racing action. The growing attention on personalities and glamour may help attract casual viewers, but it also risks alienating long-time fans who value the sport for its competition.
Overcrowded Paddocks and VIP Access
Image via Getty Images/tzahiV
The athlete also pointed out that the paddock has become overcrowded on race weekends. With more VIPs and invited guests than ever, drivers and team staff often struggle to move around. Sometimes, team members resort to scooters or bikes because walking through the crowd is too slow.
For drivers, the paddock was once a focused workspace centered on preparation and team communication. Now, it often feels more like a stage filled with cameras, sponsor events, and photo opportunities.
F1’s Official Response
After being called out, Formula 1 defended its approach by emphasizing its goal of providing comprehensive race coverage while giving viewers context through crowd shots, celebrity moments, and trackside scenes. The organization said its coverage team handles a complex environment with many simultaneous on-track battles.
Still, fans and drivers viewed the Singapore air time as an example of misplaced attention. The official statement framed the coverage decisions as an attempt to improve storytelling and enhance fan engagement. Yet the repeated absence of key racing footage undermines that defense.