There has been much talk of how Formula One missed broadcasting impressive track action during the Singapore Grand Prix, an important point that has been raised by Williams Racing driver Carlos Sainz. He highlighted how the sport should focus less on drivers’ girlfriends and celebrities and showcase intense racing that matters most to fans.
Social media buzzed with furious fans after the Marina Bay street race, as F1 failed to show whether Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line in P7 ahead of Fernando Alonso after the brakes on his Ferrari SF-25 had failed, since the cameras were focused on Lando Norris’ battle with Max Verstappen for the runner-up position. Not to mention Charles Leclerc’s brake problems that began on Lap 5 and prevented him from pushing hard until the checkered flag.
Not only that, Sainz, who started the race from a distant 18th place, finished in the points in P10. His impressive run, covering eight positions, was missed entirely. In between the track action, F1 also broadcast reactions from drivers’ girlfriends, their family members, and even celebrities, which, according to Sainz, is something that should not be shown over key moments during Grands Prix. Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, he 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.
“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.
“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 stressed that F1 goes “overboard” in highlighting celebrities and revealed the VIP situation on Grand Prix weekends, suggesting that they are now a common sight at race venues. He added:
“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.
“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.”
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