"It’s turning into a bit of a trend" Carlos Sainz has joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the television coverage of Formula 1, claiming the sport is emphasizing celebrity reactions over actual racing action. In an interview with Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE, the Williams driver expressed that F1 has gone too far in its emphasis on glamorous visuals and paddock guests instead of presenting significant racing moments. "It’s becoming a bit of a trend that seems to be working for them - showcasing our girlfriends and famous individuals on TV, the reactions," Sainz remarked. "I can understand showing a reaction during an overtake or a tense moment, but last weekend they didn’t cover any of the four or five overtakes I made at the end, nor Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of significant moments." Sainz pointed out that the focus has shifted too much. "The other elements are fine – as long as the main action isn’t overlooked," he continued. "In my opinion, they even go too far with the celebrities and brides. Sometimes, there are so many VIPs in the paddock that it’s hard to navigate. We have to use bikes or scooters because otherwise, it’s just impossible to get around." The Spaniard noted the significant change in the atmosphere of F1’s paddock. "Ten or fifteen years ago, the paddock was lacking any real atmosphere – but now it’s full of it. I prefer it this way, but we need to remind people that those present are working." Sainz also mentioned that he finds the pre-race environment to be overwhelming. "I get a bit stressed in the paddock due to the number of people asking for photos," he said. "On Sundays, I don’t enjoy walking around because I want to remain focused and alone. My mother tells me to smile more, but I’m just trying to isolate myself and concentrate."

"It’s turning into a bit of a trend" Carlos Sainz has joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the television coverage of Formula 1, claiming the sport is emphasizing celebrity reactions over actual racing action. In an interview with Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE, the Williams driver expressed that F1 has gone too far in its emphasis on glamorous visuals and paddock guests instead of presenting significant racing moments. "It’s becoming a bit of a trend that seems to be working for them - showcasing our girlfriends and famous individuals on TV, the reactions," Sainz remarked. "I can understand showing a reaction during an overtake or a tense moment, but last weekend they didn’t cover any of the four or five overtakes I made at the end, nor Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of significant moments." Sainz pointed out that the focus has shifted too much. "The other elements are fine – as long as the main action isn’t overlooked," he continued. "In my opinion, they even go too far with the celebrities and brides. Sometimes, there are so many VIPs in the paddock that it’s hard to navigate. We have to use bikes or scooters because otherwise, it’s just impossible to get around." The Spaniard noted the significant change in the atmosphere of F1’s paddock. "Ten or fifteen years ago, the paddock was lacking any real atmosphere – but now it’s full of it. I prefer it this way, but we need to remind people that those present are working." Sainz also mentioned that he finds the pre-race environment to be overwhelming. "I get a bit stressed in the paddock due to the number of people asking for photos," he said. "On Sundays, I don’t enjoy walking around because I want to remain focused and alone. My mother tells me to smile more, but I’m just trying to isolate myself and concentrate."

      "Significant concern among McLaren’s sponsors"

      Zak Brown has refuted allegations that he misled dominant Indycar champion Alex Palou by hinting at a potential Formula 1 seat to secure his commitment to McLaren’s American program. Following the celebration of their consecutive constructors’ championship in Singapore, Brown appeared this week at London’s High Court as part of McLaren’s $20 million damages lawsuit against Palou, who withdrew from an agreed arrangement to remain with competing team Chip Ganassi Racing.

      During cross-examination, Brown maintained that he "never strung along" the Spanish driver, asserting that he believed Palou "thought McLaren Indycar would be a top team." The Financial Times reported that McLaren accuses Palou of a "deliberate breach of contract" that has caused "significant concern among McLaren’s sponsors." Palou has already acknowledged the breach but is contesting the amount of damages, labeling McLaren’s claim as "vastly inflated."

      Palou’s attorney, Nick De Marco KC, informed the court that his client was initially attracted to McLaren by "the prospect of racing in F1," but once it became evident that the opportunity was limited to Indycar, "he ultimately chose to stay with Ganassi." CEO Brown, who earned around $50 million last year, has overseen McLaren’s recent resurgence in F1, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris also leading the 2025 drivers’ championship.

      The case in London is ongoing.

"It’s turning into a bit of a trend" Carlos Sainz has joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the television coverage of Formula 1, claiming the sport is emphasizing celebrity reactions over actual racing action. In an interview with Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE, the Williams driver expressed that F1 has gone too far in its emphasis on glamorous visuals and paddock guests instead of presenting significant racing moments. "It’s becoming a bit of a trend that seems to be working for them - showcasing our girlfriends and famous individuals on TV, the reactions," Sainz remarked. "I can understand showing a reaction during an overtake or a tense moment, but last weekend they didn’t cover any of the four or five overtakes I made at the end, nor Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of significant moments." Sainz pointed out that the focus has shifted too much. "The other elements are fine – as long as the main action isn’t overlooked," he continued. "In my opinion, they even go too far with the celebrities and brides. Sometimes, there are so many VIPs in the paddock that it’s hard to navigate. We have to use bikes or scooters because otherwise, it’s just impossible to get around." The Spaniard noted the significant change in the atmosphere of F1’s paddock. "Ten or fifteen years ago, the paddock was lacking any real atmosphere – but now it’s full of it. I prefer it this way, but we need to remind people that those present are working." Sainz also mentioned that he finds the pre-race environment to be overwhelming. "I get a bit stressed in the paddock due to the number of people asking for photos," he said. "On Sundays, I don’t enjoy walking around because I want to remain focused and alone. My mother tells me to smile more, but I’m just trying to isolate myself and concentrate."

Other articles

"I truly believe Mercedes will be leading the way." Max Verstappen anticipates that Mercedes will have an advantage when the new regulations for Formula 1 come into effect next year. Although Toto Wolff made a strong effort to attract the four-time world champion, Verstappen ultimately decided to remain with Red Bull, despite Christian Horner's departure and the uncertainties surrounding the team's internal power unit project. "Next year will be challenging with our own engine, of course," Verstappen mentioned to Sky Deutschland. "That poses a new risk for Red Bull, but they accepted that risk by entering Formula 1, and they've performed quite well." He did not dismiss the possibility that Mercedes might dominate again, similar to their performance in 2014 when the hybrid rules were introduced. "It’s hard to say," Verstappen continued. "I truly believe Mercedes will be at the front. They are consistently strong and always competitive. They’re a leading company, so I do think they’ll be ahead, especially regarding the engine." Nonetheless, he emphasized that Red Bull is fully committed to the challenge. "We are definitely giving our all. I hope we will be close, but of course, I can’t be certain." In a separate interview with Viaplay during the Singapore GP weekend, Verstappen was asked about Red Bull's sudden performance improvement following Horner’s departure and Laurent Mekies’ arrival. When questioned if anything specific had changed, he smiled and said, "Yes. But nobody needs to know that." When the interviewer expressed regret for probing further, Verstappen replied, "That's fine. It doesn’t matter, because I’m not going to reveal anything. The key thing is that we’re performing better." While he is no longer entirely out of the championship race, Verstappen acknowledges that winning a fifth consecutive drivers’ title is unlikely. "I’m not too worried about it," he admitted. "I already have a lot on my plate that I enjoy. I just show up at the track and do my best. There may be a chance, and I’m trying to make the most of it, but I'm not concerned about it." "I truly believe Mercedes will be leading the way." Max Verstappen anticipates that Mercedes will have an advantage when the new regulations for Formula 1 come into effect next year. Although Toto Wolff made a strong effort to attract the four-time world champion, Verstappen ultimately decided to remain with Red Bull, despite Christian Horner's departure and the uncertainties surrounding the team's internal power unit project. "Next year will be challenging with our own engine, of course," Verstappen mentioned to Sky Deutschland. "That poses a new risk for Red Bull, but they accepted that risk by entering Formula 1, and they've performed quite well." He did not dismiss the possibility that Mercedes might dominate again, similar to their performance in 2014 when the hybrid rules were introduced. "It’s hard to say," Verstappen continued. "I truly believe Mercedes will be at the front. They are consistently strong and always competitive. They’re a leading company, so I do think they’ll be ahead, especially regarding the engine." Nonetheless, he emphasized that Red Bull is fully committed to the challenge. "We are definitely giving our all. I hope we will be close, but of course, I can’t be certain." In a separate interview with Viaplay during the Singapore GP weekend, Verstappen was asked about Red Bull's sudden performance improvement following Horner’s departure and Laurent Mekies’ arrival. When questioned if anything specific had changed, he smiled and said, "Yes. But nobody needs to know that." When the interviewer expressed regret for probing further, Verstappen replied, "That's fine. It doesn’t matter, because I’m not going to reveal anything. The key thing is that we’re performing better." While he is no longer entirely out of the championship race, Verstappen acknowledges that winning a fifth consecutive drivers’ title is unlikely. "I’m not too worried about it," he admitted. "I already have a lot on my plate that I enjoy. I just show up at the track and do my best. There may be a chance, and I’m trying to make the most of it, but I'm not concerned about it." Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz feels that his ex-Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is the quickest driver in Formula 1 regarding raw qualifying speed - even (…) Verstappen acknowledges that Mercedes is likely to be at the forefront with the 2026 regulations. Verstappen acknowledges that Mercedes is likely to be at the forefront with the 2026 regulations. Formula 1 | Max Verstappen anticipates that Mercedes will have an advantage when the sport's new regulations come into effect next year. Despite Toto Wolff's (…) Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner. Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner. Formula 1 | Both of Christian Horner's former adversaries in the paddock, Toto Wolff and Zak Brown, have acknowledged that Formula 1 has a different atmosphere without the removed (…) Ben Sulayem alleged to have excluded competitors from the FIA election. Ben Sulayem alleged to have excluded competitors from the FIA election. Formula 1 | Mohammed Ben Sulayem is facing accusations of creating barriers that make it nearly impossible for any opponent to challenge him in this December's FIA presidential election. Sainz agrees with Alonso in criticizing F1's fixation on celebrities. Sainz agrees with Alonso in criticizing F1's fixation on celebrities. Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz has supported Fernando Alonso's critique of the television coverage in Formula 1, claiming that the sport is giving more importance to celebrity reactions (…) Does Mercedes F1 have an advantage with a 'flexi wing' at Singapore? Does Mercedes F1 have an advantage with a 'flexi wing' at Singapore? Formula 1 | Mercedes has rejected claims that their unexpected win in Singapore was supported by a flexible front wing design, even with increased scrutiny on the matter.

"It’s turning into a bit of a trend" Carlos Sainz has joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the television coverage of Formula 1, claiming the sport is emphasizing celebrity reactions over actual racing action. In an interview with Spanish radio show El Partidazo de COPE, the Williams driver expressed that F1 has gone too far in its emphasis on glamorous visuals and paddock guests instead of presenting significant racing moments. "It’s becoming a bit of a trend that seems to be working for them - showcasing our girlfriends and famous individuals on TV, the reactions," Sainz remarked. "I can understand showing a reaction during an overtake or a tense moment, but last weekend they didn’t cover any of the four or five overtakes I made at the end, nor Fernando’s pursuit of Lewis. They missed a lot of significant moments." Sainz pointed out that the focus has shifted too much. "The other elements are fine – as long as the main action isn’t overlooked," he continued. "In my opinion, they even go too far with the celebrities and brides. Sometimes, there are so many VIPs in the paddock that it’s hard to navigate. We have to use bikes or scooters because otherwise, it’s just impossible to get around." The Spaniard noted the significant change in the atmosphere of F1’s paddock. "Ten or fifteen years ago, the paddock was lacking any real atmosphere – but now it’s full of it. I prefer it this way, but we need to remind people that those present are working." Sainz also mentioned that he finds the pre-race environment to be overwhelming. "I get a bit stressed in the paddock due to the number of people asking for photos," he said. "On Sundays, I don’t enjoy walking around because I want to remain focused and alone. My mother tells me to smile more, but I’m just trying to isolate myself and concentrate."

Formula 1 | Zak Brown has refuted allegations that he deceived the reigning Indycar champion Alex Palou by hinting at a potential Formula 1 seat to secure his (…)