F1 & beIN SPORTS Extend Broadcast Partnership to 2030 Across Asia
Formula 1 has secured its broadcasting future in a key Asian market, announcing a renewal of its exclusive partnership with beIN SPORTS that extends through the end of the season. The deal, encompassing ten territories across the region, underscores the growing importance of the Asian fanbase to the global motorsport series and provides a stable platform for upcoming changes to the sport.
The partnership isn’t simply a continuation of existing coverage. BeIN SPORTS will maintain its flagship championship broadcasts alongside its original production, Off the Grid
, offering fans a deeper dive behind the scenes. Crucially, the agreement also incorporates support programming from Sky Sports F1 – including The F1 Show
and Ted’s Notebook
– and Formula 1’s own productions like F1 Kids
and the docuseries Chasing the Dream
focusing on the Formula 2 championship. This layered approach aims to cater to a broad spectrum of fans, from casual viewers to dedicated enthusiasts.
The significance of this renewal is amplified by the sheer size of the Asian Formula 1 audience. Estimates suggest a fanbase of 447 million across the region, a figure that makes Asia a critical growth area for the sport. The long-term commitment from beIN SPORTS provides F1 with a reliable partner to capitalize on this potential, particularly as the series navigates a period of significant transformation.
That transformation is multi-faceted. The season will usher in a new era of regulations, promising a shake-up in car design and potentially the competitive order. Adding to the excitement, automotive giants Audi and Cadillac are preparing to enter the sport as fully fledged manufacturers, bringing with them substantial investment and engineering expertise. And the calendar itself is expanding, with the addition of the Madrid Grand Prix, bringing the total number of races to 24 – a demanding schedule for teams and drivers alike.
Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer at Formula One, emphasized the value of the partnership. Since becoming a broadcast partner, beIN SPORTS has created a world class content offering which brings fans closer to the heart of Formula 1,
he said. We are delighted to extend and expand our partnership with beIN and continue to produce engaging programming for our fans. It’s through the hard work and dedication of our fantastic broadcast partners that we can continue to grow the sport and attract new audiences. We look forward to working with beIN SPORTS for years to come.
Holmes’s statement highlights the collaborative nature of the relationship, recognizing beIN SPORTS’s contribution to enhancing the fan experience.
The sentiment is clearly mutual. Mike Kerr, Managing Director of beIN Asia Pacific, pointed to the consistent growth in viewership figures as a key driver behind the renewal. Formula 1 audiences on beIN SPORTS have delivered consistent double-digit year-on-year growth over the past three years, underscoring the sport’s growing resonance with fans across our markets,
Kerr stated. This renewal reflects our shared commitment with Formula 1 to keep fans at the heart of everything we do, as we continue to elevate the fan experience across every screen through deeper access, wider coverage and new ways to connect with the sport.
The double-digit growth is a compelling indicator of the increasing appetite for Formula 1 content in the region.
Beyond simply maintaining the status quo, both organizations have expressed a shared ambition to integrate F1 TV – Formula 1’s own over-the-top (OTT) streaming service – into beIN’s platforms. This potential integration represents a significant step towards offering fans a more comprehensive and personalized viewing experience. F1 TV provides access to live race feeds, onboard cameras, data telemetry, and exclusive content, features that could significantly enhance beIN SPORTS’s existing offering.
The timing of this deal is particularly noteworthy. Formula 1 is actively courting a broader audience, recognizing the need to appeal to younger demographics and diversify its fanbase. The season, with its dramatic title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, demonstrably captured a new wave of viewers. Maintaining that momentum requires consistent, high-quality broadcasting, and a strong presence in key growth markets like Asia.
The expansion to a 24-race calendar also presents logistical challenges for broadcasters. Ensuring comprehensive coverage across multiple time zones and accommodating the increased demands on production crews requires significant investment and planning. The long-term nature of this deal with beIN SPORTS provides Formula 1 with the assurance that it has a reliable partner capable of meeting those challenges.
the arrival of Audi and Cadillac is expected to generate significant media interest. Both manufacturers have a rich motorsport heritage and a global brand recognition that will undoubtedly attract new fans to the sport. BeIN SPORTS will be well-positioned to capitalize on this increased interest, providing in-depth coverage of the new teams’ preparations and on-track performance.
The renewal also speaks to the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. While traditional television remains a key platform, the rise of streaming services and digital content is forcing rights holders to adopt a more flexible and multi-platform approach. The potential integration of F1 TV into beIN’s platforms is a clear indication of this trend, recognizing the need to cater to fans who consume content in different ways.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will likely be measured not only by viewership numbers but also by the ability to engage fans and foster a deeper connection with the sport. BeIN SPORTS’s commitment to original programming and its willingness to embrace new technologies suggest that it is well-equipped to meet those challenges. For Formula 1, this deal represents a crucial piece of the puzzle as it seeks to solidify its position as a global entertainment powerhouse.