Following the Singapore Grand Prix, the Formula 1 direction came under heavy criticism. During the race, a significant amount of attention was directed towards familiar faces in the paddock, rather than the action on the track. The girlfriends of various drivers were extensively featured, as well as celebrities and other prominent guests. After fierce criticism – also from the drivers – the direction seemed to finally heed the fans in the subsequent races.
Carlos Sainz pinpointed the issue after the Singapore Grand Prix. The Spaniard had driven an impressive overtaking race on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, but his progress was barely featured in the broadcast. Viewers at home mainly saw reactions from the paddock – especially from the drivers’ girlfriends. “For me, they go a bit too far with showing celebrities and girlfriends,” Sainz responded. “The direction missed too much.”
Improvement in Austin and Mexico
A spokesperson for Formula 1 countered the criticism: “We always focus on delivering the best possible images of the race. We never compromise on the most important thing; the action on the track. Our team does an excellent job reporting on a very complex situation, with multiple cars at different points on the circuit. At the same time, we provide context from the stands, through high-profile guests and locations where we race. We always strive for excellence – and to improve what we deliver.”
However, the direction seemed to have learned from the criticism during the recent races in Austin and Mexico City. Reaction shots from the paddock were scarce, and many fans noted that the cameras were almost exclusively focused on the track this time. In Mexico, attention was paid to Oliver Bearman’s father, but his emotional reaction to son ‘Ollie’s’ fourth place was widely praised. On social media, the direction received predominantly positive feedback, although many viewers still found the broadcast far from perfect. For instance, they missed several daring overtaking maneuvers by Fernando Alonso, and the incident between Liam Lawson and two marshals also remained off-screen.
