The girlfriend of McLaren driver Lando Norris has responded to criticism from fellow Formula One star Carlos Sainz about the sport's increasing focus on celebrities and partners during race weekends.
The Controversial Comments That Sparked the Debate
Following last month's Singapore Grand Prix, Williams driver Carlos Sainz expressed his frustration with television coverage that he believes prioritises showing famous faces and drivers' partners over actual racing action. The Spanish driver specifically mentioned that his impressive climb from 18th to 10th position at the Marina Bay Street Circuit went completely unseen by television audiences.
Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, Sainz stated: "It's becoming a bit of a trend, which must have worked for them at one time, when people found it interesting to see our girlfriends, to see famous people on television."
He acknowledged that reaction shots could be appropriate during tense moments or overtakes but emphasised that broadcasters should "not lose sight of the main thing." The Williams driver concluded: "For me, they go overboard a little by showing the celebrities and girlfriends."
Magui Corceiro's Firm Response
In direct response to Sainz's comments, 23-year-old Magui Corceiro has made it clear that her presence at races serves one purpose only: supporting her boyfriend Lando Norris. The Portuguese model and actress told Jornal de Noticias that she feels no pressure from being in the public eye and has no interest in camera attention.
"I don't feel any pressure from being a public figure," Corceiro declared. "I'm there to support someone. I have nothing to do with that. I don't know anything about cars. I'm good for nothing other than supporting someone."
She directly addressed the camera coverage, stating: "I don't call the cameras. I have nothing to do with that, it's not my job or my area. If they record me, they record me. If they don't record me, it doesn't matter."
Corceiro added that with numerous cameras throughout the paddock, she often doesn't even realise when she's being filmed.
The Broader Context of F1's Evolving Coverage
This debate emerges against the backdrop of Formula One's significant transformation in recent years, largely driven by Netflix's hugely popular 'Drive to Survive' documentary series. The show has revolutionised the sport's appeal, attracting younger audiences who often develop strong connections with drivers' personal lives and stories.
The television coverage structure itself plays a role in this dynamic. While broadcasters like Sky Sports control their own supplementary coverage, the main Grand Prix world feed is controlled solely by Formula One's production team, leaving individual broadcasters dependent on their decisions about what to show during races.
During the Singapore Grand Prix that prompted Sainz's comments, cameras frequently cut to shots of both Corceiro and Sainz's own girlfriend, Rebecca Donaldson, in the paddock area.
Corceiro brings her own substantial profile to the F1 circuit. The Santarem native has amassed over two million Instagram followers and more than 800,000 TikTok fans. Her career includes appearances in Portuguese television dramas, campaigns for brands like Intimissimi and Alo Yoga, and a stint on Portugal's version of Dancing with the Stars in 2020.
She has also ventured into business, co-founding the eco-conscious swimwear brand Missus and gracing the pages of Vogue Portugal, establishing herself as a significant figure in her own right beyond her relationship with the British racing driver.
