"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."

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