Formula 1 Broadcasts Under Fire: Carlos Sainz Calls for a Return to the Racing
(October 11, 2025) – Formula 1 is facing growing criticism regarding its television broadcasts, with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz the latest to voice concerns over a perceived shift in focus away from the on-track action and towards celebrity culture and peripheral storylines. Sainz’s comments, made to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, highlight a frustration felt by many within the sport and a growing disconnect between what fans want to see and what is being delivered.
The catalyst for Sainz’s critique was the recent Singapore Grand Prix, a race packed with dramatic overtakes and strategic battles that, according to the Spaniard, were largely overlooked by the live coverage. Sainz himself executed a remarkable recovery drive from the back of the grid to finish tenth, a feat barely acknowledged amidst a broadcast that prioritized reaction shots of attendees in the paddock.
“It’s becoming a bit of a trend,” Sainz explained. “What initially worked – showing reactions of girlfriends, family, and famous faces – is now overshadowing the racing. I understand the appeal of a reaction shot during a key moment, if it doesn’t come at the expense of showing the actual competition.”
Missed Moments: A Pattern of Disconnect
Sainz wasn’t alone in having his performance minimized. The thrilling late-race battle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton,with Alonso relentlessly closing the gap on the mercedes driver,also received limited airtime. Instead, the broadcast heavily focused on the duel for second place between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris – a compelling contest, certainly, but one that came at the cost of showcasing other crucial on-track narratives.
This isn’t a new issue. For years, fans have observed an increasing number of cutaways to the pit wall, VIP boxes, and celebrity guests during critical race phases. While F1 aims to broaden its appeal, many argue this approach risks alienating the core fanbase – those who tune in for the skill, strategy, and drama of the racing itself.
The World Feed: Where Does Responsibility Lie?
The complexities of F1 broadcasting are frequently enough overlooked. While individual television networks control the presentation around the race – pre-race shows, analysis, and post-race interviews – the actual on-track footage is governed by a single “world feed” produced by Formula 1 Management (FOM). This means the decisions about what footage is shown to a global audience rests with FOM.
This centralized control is at the heart of the debate. Critics argue that FOM is prioritizing entertainment value and attracting a wider audience over delivering a thorough and engaging broadcast for dedicated fans. The question becomes: is F
