There is a growing debate within the Formula 1 community about the television coverage priorities during Grand Prix weekends. Recently, the spotlight intensified after Carlos Sainz expressed frustration over the amount of airtime dedicated to celebrities and drivers' partners instead of the core racing action. This concern, which echoes opinions from both fans and insiders, highlights the question: what should F1 broadcasts truly focus on to serve the sport’s passionate audience?
It’s undeniable that Formula 1’s global appeal has soared in recent years, influenced by social media and popular series like Netflix’s “Drive to Survive.” With this newfound popularity, the paddock has become a hotspot for Hollywood stars, musicians, and influencers, who often receive considerable attention on global broadcasts. While these high-profile personalities bring additional viewership and glitz to race weekends, many purists and even drivers themselves feel the essence of F1 – the speed, strategy, and on-track drama – is being partially overshadowed.
Carlos Sainz's comments reflect a growing sentiment amongst fans who tune in for high-speed rivalries and technical excellence, not red carpet interviews and shots of glamorous guests. Sainz called for a return to prioritising the sport’s core narrative: the drivers, teams, and the racing battles that define Formula 1’s character.
Indeed, while the spectacle of celebrities mingling in the paddock brings commercial support and broader media interest, it can be jarring when the race itself fades into the background. For example, during tense moments such as pit stops, overtakes, or even incidents, it frustrates fans to be shown unrelated shots of VIPs or the private moments of drivers’ families and partners.
Liberty Media, the owners of F1 since 2017, have made obvious efforts to transform the sport's image. Their focus on entertainment, digital engagement, and lifestyle elements has introduced the world of F1 to millions who might never have cared about motorsport. However, it raises an important question: can the sport find a balance between its traditional racing heart and its new show-business surroundings?
The FIA and Formula 1’s official broadcasters responded to Sainz’s comments, affirming their commitment to ensuring the core racing action remains front and center. F1 management acknowledged the need to strike the right balance, recognising that passionate fans demand deeper technical analysis, live strategies, and unfiltered access to radio communications and on-board footage. They also referenced record-breaking audience figures as evidence that their formula is generally working but stressed that viewer feedback is essential for constant improvement.
As broadcasters look ahead, new broadcasting technologies and intelligent production systems provide more opportunities for customisation. Viewers may soon be able to select alternative feeds focusing more heavily on the racing, technical breakdowns, or even specific team content, allowing everyone to tailor their experience. Nevertheless, the core broadcast should remain true to the sport’s spirit: thrilling, unscripted competition among the best drivers in the world.
The debate remains open among experts and fans alike. Is there space for both the racing narrative and the off-track allure, or will the authenticity of the sport suffer if the scales tip too far in one direction? What’s clear is that Formula 1’s heritage is built on rivalries, technical innovation, and the relentless pursuit of victory. While celebrity culture can elevate the spectacle, it must never come at the cost of the sport’s pure adrenaline and competition that drew generations of passionate fans in the first place.
Moving forward, continuous dialogue between fans, broadcasters, and the sport’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the F1 viewing experience. After all, without the roaring engines, on-track battles, and emotional highs and lows, Formula 1 would risk losing the very essence that makes it the pinnacle of motorsport.
