F1 renews ServusTV deal in Austria

Red Bull's free-to-air broadcaster extends rights contract until 2026.
  • Free-to-air ServusTV extends until 2026
  • Rights deal with ESPN in the US also finally confirmed 

Formula One has announced an extension to its broadcast partnership in Austria with Red Bull-owned ServusTV until 2026.

The three-year extension will see the free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster retain media rights across all Servus distribution channels, representing the most comprehensive package of coverage available on FTA television across Europe. In addition to Servus' output, Formula fans in the Austrian market will retain the option to subscribe to the F1 TV Pro over-the-top (OTT) platform.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with ServusTV and that our fans in Austria will continue to feel the emotion that is Formula One,” said Ian Holmes, director of media rights and content creation for Formula One.

“It’s a great time to follow the sport, and the season so far has been incredible to watch. The action on track has been intense, and we’re happy that our fans will be able to follow it all as Formula One continues into this exciting new era.”

Speaking following the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, Ferdinand Wegscheider, ServusTV chief executive, added: “It is totally in terms of Dietrich Mateschitz that we have been able to convince the management of Formula One with our high-quality broadcast and performance, and that we are going to continue our successful partnership for another three years.

“Motorsport has always been his passion. The big winners are primarily the Formula One fans, who will be able to watch their favourite sport for free on ServusTV as well as on ServusTV On, also in the future.

“At the moment there is no broader and more significant motorsport program available for free across Europe.”

Formula One has announced the extension of its US broadcast deal with Disney-owned ESPN, confirming the new deal, worth a reported US$90 million per year, which first came to light in June.

The extension to 2025 will see at least 16 races air across ABC and ESPN each season, the most since Formula One returned to ESPN Networks in 2018.

The new agreement features expanded direct-to-consumer (DTC) rights, giving ESPN flexibility on how to roll out content to American viewers, including through its ESPN+ platform. It will also include an increased focus on qualifying sessions.

“We are delighted to announce that our partnership with ESPN will continue,” said Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula One.

“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 One to our viewers in the US together.”

Burke Magnus, ESPN president, programming and original content, added: “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.”

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