Formula One has extended its broadcast partnership with the Walt Disney Company so that races continue to be shown on ESPN Networks in the US through the 2025 season.
At least 16 races will air on ABC and ESPN each season, more than in each of the previous five years since F1 returned to ESPN Networks in 2018. All race broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will also continue to be ad-free.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO at Formula One, said: “We are delighted to announce that our partnership with ESPN will continue.
“Formula One has seen incredible growth in the United States with sold out events and record television audiences, and the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar next season, alongside Austin and Miami, will see us host three spectacular races there.
“The ESPN networks have played a huge part in that growth with their dedicated quality coverage. We are excited to expand our relationship and continue to bring the passion and excitement of Formula 1 to our viewers in the US together.”
Moreso, the deal involves expanded direct-to-consumer rights, giving ESPN flexibility to roll out additional ways for fans in America to consume F1 content over the next three years, including on ESPN+.
All race weekends will continue to include live broadcasts of all practice sessions, qualifying (including the F1 Sprint) and races, as well as pre-race and post-race coverage.
The pair have also highlighted that there will be an increased focus on qualifying, with more sessions airing on ESPN or ESPN2.
Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Programming and Original Content, said: “Formula One and ESPN have been a strong and successful team and we’re delighted to extend our relationship.
“We look forward to serving fans in some new and innovative ways in the next three years as we continue to bring the reach and relevance of the Walt Disney Company networks and platforms to Formula One.”
Earlier this year, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix broadcast on ABC generated an average viewership of 2.6 million, which was the largest US audience on record for a live F1 Grand Prix.
