Williams driver Carlos Sainz has openly criticised the current F1 race broadcasts, saying that too much focus is placed on celebrities and pit reactions instead of real racing moments. His frustration followed the Singapore Grand Prix, where his remarkable recovery from the back of the grid to a points finish went largely unseen by viewers due to selective camera coverage.
Speaking to The Athletic, Sainz voiced his concerns candidly. “There were so many good fights and overtakes that never made it to the screen,” he said. “It’s frustrating because we put on a great show, but the fans at home don’t always get to see it.” He added, “I understand the need to make the sport entertaining, but we should never forget that people watch F1 for the racing.”
Sainz’s comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among both fans and drivers who feel that Formula 1 broadcasts are becoming more entertainment-oriented than sport-focused. Viewers have frequently complained that race coverage now prioritizes celebrity appearances, crowd reactions, and pit wall emotions over key overtakes and on-track battles.
The debate intensified after several of Sainz’s overtakes during the Singapore race were missed on camera. Instead, the broadcast frequently cut to shots of team principals, fans, and paddock guests. “You can’t show everything,” Sainz acknowledged, “but missing the main battles doesn’t make sense. The essence of F1 is what happens on the track.”
Many fans echoed his frustration on social media, with one viral post on X reading: “Sainz was storming through the field, and we saw none of it. Why are we watching reaction shots instead of racing?” The incident has reignited a wider discussion on whether F1’s growing entertainment approach, boosted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, is overshadowing the competitive nature of the sport.
Broadcast executives have defended their coverage choices, arguing that emotional storytelling and celebrity engagement attract newer audiences. However, Sainz believes a balance must be restored. “F1 has to remember what makes it special — the speed, the battles, and the competition,” he said. “We should keep that at the heart of every broadcast.”
As the season continues, both drivers and fans will be watching closely to see if F1’s producers adjust their approach. Sainz’s comments have opened an important conversation about the sport’s future identity — whether it remains true to its racing roots or continues evolving into a hybrid of sport and spectacle.
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