Formula One has quietly shifted its broadcast strategy after growing criticism from within the paddock over the sport’s focus on celebrities and drivers’ partners during live race coverage.
The change was first noticed at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, where television cameras refrained from cutting to the so-called WAGs — wives and girlfriends — and other famous guests in the grandstands.
The decision follows complaints from several drivers, most notably Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who said that recent broadcasts had shown “a lack of respect” for the sport and its competitors.
Speaking after the Singapore Grand Prix, Sainz voiced frustration that key on-track moments had been overlooked in favour of celebrity close-ups.
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He said: “I think you have to show more respect for the competition on the track.
“I had four or five overtaking manoeuvres in Singapore, and they didn’t show any of them. They also didn’t show Fernando Alonso chasing Lewis Hamilton on the last lap.
“In my opinion, they’re starting to overdo it a bit these days with showing celebrities and the drivers’ girlfriends.”
Max Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly Piquet is often shown on camera at races
| GETTYHis comments sparked a wider debate within Formula One circles about the balance between sporting integrity and entertainment.
The championship, owned by Liberty Media, has in recent years sought to appeal to broader audiences through its glitzy presentation and behind-the-scenes access.
But Sainz’s remarks highlighted concerns among purists that the pendulum had swung too far away from the racing itself.
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Carlos Sainz pictured with girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson, who is a Scottish model
|GETTY
In response, Formula One issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to focusing on the core action.
“Our focus is always on providing fans with the best possible images of the race,” the statement read.
“There are no compromises when it comes to the most important aspect – what’s happening on the track.
“Our team does a great job of showing complex situations with different cars in different positions, and putting them into the context of the reactions in the stands, from important guests, and the surroundings of the venue.”
The sport appeared to act on those words in Texas.
During the Grand Prix weekend, not a single shot featured the wives or girlfriends of drivers, and celebrity appearances were noticeably scaled back.
F1 chiefs have stressed that racing is the priority - not the wives, girlfriends and celebrities in attendance at races
| REUTERSThe only high-profile guest to make the broadcast was American musician Shaboozey, who waved the chequered flag at the finish line.
This move marks a subtle but significant change in tone from Formula One’s recent approach, which has embraced glamour and star power as part of its global image.
The paddock has become a magnet for A-list figures, particularly at races in Miami, Monaco and Las Vegas, where cameras often linger on famous faces between laps.
While that approach has helped attract new viewers, traditional fans and drivers alike have increasingly called for a return to a sharper sporting focus.
By keeping the spotlight on the racing in Austin, Formula One may have signalled a recalibration of its broadcast priorities.
Whether the change continues at upcoming races remains to be seen, but for now, the message from the grid appears clear: the drama on track should once again take centre stage.