When Daniel Bastien began covering Formula One 20 years ago, the sport – and journalism – looked entirely different. Back then, race reports were typed for print (or print-like for websites), headlines weren’t optimized for algorithms, and journalists didn’t need to worry about going viral. Today, the Montreal-based independent Formula One reporter finds himself looking for meaningful ‘slow news’ in a media landscape transformed by metrics and social media.
“This year marks my 20th year covering Formula One, either as a radio host or contributor,” Daniel says. “I started in the legal field but left it to follow my dream of becoming an F1 journalist.” It’s a journey that hasn’t followed the typical path. Unlike many of his colleagues, Daniel doesn’t travel with the F1 circus. “The only race I attend as a journalist is the Canadian Grand Prix as a radio reporter. I don’t have the budget to travel,” he explains. And he’s not alone. As the cost of covering live events has skyrocketed, many independent journalists have had to reassess their approach to work.
Looking at the quiet details
Daniel’s physical absence from the traveling circus doesn’t stop him from being part of the F1 conversation, though. Instead of chasing every media scrum, he’s chosen a slower, more deliberate path; one focused on analysis, interviews, and context. “Apart from analysis, most of what I do is interviews. You need to build a trusting relationship for such conversations,” he explains. “Still, I cross-check information with two or three people. That hasn’t changed.”
While many media outlets prioritize speed, Daniel takes a different route: slower news with deeper insights. He focuses on the stories that slip through the cracks: conversations with engineers, off-the-record moments with drivers, and quiet details that never make the headlines at press conferences but explain how F1 works. “I once interviewed a quality control engineer, someone who doesn’t usually get media attention. But the story was compelling. That’s the kind of journalism I like to do.”
The human side of the paddock
Daniel’s approach offers a refreshing contrast to the race for clicks. Instead of sensationalizing, he seeks to understand what goes on behind the scenes and why. For example, he observes how teams manage their drivers’ public personas, crafting images to counterbalance on-track aggression or off-track controversy. Think of Max Verstappen’s transformation from ruthless racer to softly smiling fan-favorite in official team videos. Or how some teams spin a carefully constructed narrative around proposed rule changes that would benefit them, not necessarily the sport itself. Still, it’s the genuine, unfiltered moments that resonate most with Daniel.
“I remember seeing Sebastian Vettel backstage while still at Toro Rosso, he was alone and juggling phones awkwardly. I happened to walk in, and he immediately stopped. It was such a shy, human moment. I never reported it, out of respect. Not everything is meant to be published.” Daniel also remembers asking Michael Schumacher if he would like to be a space tourist flying to the International Space Station. “He laughed and said, ‘I’m not crazy!’ I found that very funny coming from a guy who regularly drives at 300kph in an upside-down fighter jet with wheels.”
This ethic of respect and trust runs through all of Daniel’s work, including his non-F1 PR duties. Private conversations stay private. Recorded interviews are fair game, but only with full context and no drama.
New media, new rules
The rise of social media has not only changed how news is consumed, but also what constitutes news. For Daniel, this shift has been huge. “Social media was a big upheaval. Platforms used professional content without paying for it. That hit everyone hard,” he says. “And now, unofficial sources are practically treated like equals. It’s made it harder for credible work to stand out.”
When Canada passed a law requiring platforms to compensate news outlets, Facebook responded by removing Canadian news altogether, a move Daniel describes as troubling. For him, credibility now depends more than ever on verification and consistency. “People don’t read long articles anymore. They scroll headlines, get snippets on Instagram. That means we need to work even harder to keep our reporting accurate and insightful.”
While traditional news outlets are still trusted due to their high standards, they’re adapting to reach younger audiences, for example, by using shorter, dynamic formats like TikTok-style videos. This helps them stay relevant but often means sacrificing depth for speed. Daniel, however, remains committed to a slower pace. His reports come with depth, historical context, and even personal insight if it helps explain the story. “Instead of repeating the same soundbites everyone else covers, I explore background stories that educate fans. That angle has helped build relationships in the paddock over time. People know I’m not just chasing headlines.”
Earning trust in the click economy
Social media has democratized information. People who never had a platform now do. Some of them are trustworthy and build followings through thoughtful, fact-based content. Others spread misinformation or conspiracy theories. “Just because something is written well or goes viral doesn’t make it true,” Daniel points out.
Trust is Daniel’s currency. And unlike page views, it’s earned over time. “I don’t try to be first. I try to be right,” he says. “That’s what builds trust.” Still, it’s not without challenges. As Formula One teams create more of their own content, journalists compete not just with each other but with F1 itself. Official press conferences are streamed live, behind-the-scenes clips are pre-edited for YouTube, and entire race weekends are narrated by team-approved voices.
“There used to be a rush to file breaking news. Now, it’s often already online. And if you’re a freelancer traveling to races, editors ask, ‘Why should we pay you when the content’s free elsewhere?’” But Daniel doesn’t see this trend as malicious, just part of the evolving game. And while this is great for fans, it can make a journalist’s work harder, but long-term relationships and a unique angle still go a long way.
Still, it raises important questions about the future of independent journalism in Formula One. How long will freelancers get paddock access if they’re not already affiliated with a traditional news outlet? Can serious YouTubers be considered? Will slow journalism still have a place?
Looking ahead: technology and the journalist’s instinct
While he welcomes new tools like AI for transcription or structuring articles, Daniel is clear: no machine can replace human instinct. “AI can’t understand nuance. It can’t decide what not to write. Journalism isn’t just about recording what’s said, it’s about understanding why it’s said, and what’s left unsaid.”
That sense of context and storytelling built on trust and insight is what Daniel believes will keep his work relevant, even as the tools change. For him, journalism is not about likes or shares. It’s about providing clarity in a noisy world. “People still want to be informed. You just have to meet them with substance, not soundbites.”
Ultimately, trust and context are everything, whether you’re a mainstream outlet, an independent journalist, or a social media content creator.
