Formula 1 and Foxtel announce multi-year deal extension

Formula 1 will stay on Foxtel for the foreseeable future, with the partnership being extended as part of a multi-year deal announced today.

Having picked up the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in Australia from the 2015 season onwards, Foxtel will continue to show every practice, qualifying and race session live throughout the season – although no specifics have been given as to how long the extended deal is in place for.

In addition to the current coverage across Fox Sports and its streaming platform Kayo, the F1TV service is set to be offered for Australian fans from 2023, adding the ability for fans to bring up live timing, on-board cameras and technical information through either Foxtel's iQ box or the Kayo app.

3

Speaking at the announcement, Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said Formula 1 was a major factor in the 2.4 million-strong Fox Sports subscriber base growing 31 per cent year-on-year.

“I’m absolutely delighted to announce we are taking our relationship with Formula 1 to the next level as a result of a new multi-year rights extension,” said Delany.

“This will see Foxtel and Kayo Sports build on its exclusive presence as the home of Formula 1 in Australia with every broadcast, every practice, every qualifying and every race live, and all races in 4K ultra high definition on Foxtel.

“But we’re going to go deeper with the integration of even more exclusive Formula 1 content. As an Australian first we will integrate the innovative F1TV app into the Foxtel iQ in season 2023.

"The F1TV app will give a richer experience and provide access to multiple live in-race feeds, comprehensive data, timing and exclusive programming on and off the track.

Last year's Italian Grand Prix at Monza was won by Daniel Ricciardo, rating as the highest-viewed race of the year across Fox Sports and Kayo with an average of 467,000 viewers Australia-wide watching him break his, and McLaren's, losing streak.

3

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the contract extension with Foxtel was good news for Australian fans, bringing the best coverage to the pay-TV service.

“It is great to renew our partnership with the Foxtel group,” said Domenicali.

“Its comprehensive coverage in Australia brings the excitement of Formula 1 to our dedicated fans and new audiences.

“Foxtel is the best platform in Australia for Formula 1 and we are hugely excited for the future of our partnership.”

Foxtel's Sports HD bundle costs subscribers $59.20 per month on a 12-month plan and $74 a month for those without a lock-in contract, while the sport-only Kayo app is available from $25 a month.

Charles Leclerc currently leads a Ferrari one-two in the 2022 championship, after winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix over team-mate Carlos Sainz.