Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Jim van Wijk

Carlos Sainz feels F1 is becoming more about ‘famous people on TV’ than races

Williams driver Carlos Sainz wants more focus on the drivers and their cars (Bradley Collyer/PA) - (PA Wire)

Carlos Sainz feels broadcasts of races can “go overboard a little showing celebrities and girlfriends” rather than important moments of a Grand Prix.

On-track footage is overseen from a singular world feed, which is supervised by Formula 1.

Sainz’s partner Rebecca Donaldson was pictured in the Williams garage during Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, where the Spaniard had battled through the field to finish in 10th place.

The 31-year-old has become frustrated at what is “becoming a bit of a trend” to show reactions from “famous people on TV” rather than focusing on the drivers and their cars during “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 (Alonso) pursuit of Lewis (Hamilton), they missed a lot of things,” Sainz told Spanish media outlet El Partidazo de COPE following the Singapore race.

Sainz added: “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.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.