Carlos Sainz reckons the coverage of recent F1 races spends too much time showing girlfriends and celebrities at the cost of missing race moments.
Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE after the Singapore Grand Prix, the 31-year-old Spaniard said F1 bosses should “prioritise what’s happening on the circuit” rather than focusing on the personal lives of drivers.
Sainz’s remarks followed a frustrating viewing experience for fans during Sunday’s race, when broadcasters missed key moments – including Fernando Alonso chasing down Lewis Hamilton, who was battling brake issues, for seventh place in the closing laps.
Instead, coverage focused heavily on Lando Norris pursuing Max Verstappen for second, while cutting away to shots of drivers’ partners and celebrity guests in the garages.
Among those featured were Sainz’s girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson, Norris’ partner Magui Corceiro, and Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend Alexandra Saint Mleux – all of whom boast significant online followings.
Sainz, who produced a strong recovery drive to finish tenth after starting from the back of the grid, said the growing trend – fuelled by social media and Netflix’s Drive to Survive – risks distracting from the sport itself.
“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,” said Sainz.
“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 [they only should] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race.
“The other [thing] is fine but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little showing the celebrities and girlfriends.”
