Fame in F1 gone too far- Is the F1 media too obsessed over VIPs?

Carlos Sainz has recently spoken up about the coverage of the girlfriends and celebrities on the Formula 1 live feed distracting viewers from the racing in the grand prix.

Sainz made his way to 10th on Sunday’s grand prix in Singapore after a disqualification from qualifying set him to the back of the grid, a brilliant feat on such a physically demanding track. However, he has commented that the majority of his overtakes on the last few laps were not shown on the live feed and, in turn, were replaced with a battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, but more to note, of the reactions of their partners.

Carlos reported to El Partidazo de COPE (a Spanish radio station) that “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 it in the past… but [they only should] if the competition is respected and you are always showing the important moments of the race,” which is significant considering a large portion of the race, including Carlos’ overtakes, but also a last minute battle between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were lost in the feed to reactions of Carlos Sainz’ and Lando Norris’ girlfriends Rebecca Donaldson and Magui Corceiro throughout the race.

As mentioned by Carlos in the interview, it is “fine, but don’t lose sight of the main thing. For me, they go overboard a little, showing the celebrities and girlfriends.” It is easy in a day and age full of social media and PR to forget about the true passion for speed and fast cars, especially with more and more celebrity and VIP appearances and the influx of new fans drawn in by the flashy and extravagant showcase. Sainz commented on this, describing how “sometimes there are so many VIPs 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,” which goes to show how much Formula 1 prioritizes who shows up to see and promote the racing. We must remember, not only as fans, but as other people, that these drivers have put their lives' work into racing, and it should not be lost to the interest of their personal lives.