F1 Unveils Direct-to-Consumer Live-Streaming Platform, F1 TV

Subscribers to receive live streams of all races, exclusive access to 20 in-car cameras

The over-the-top (OTT) boom continues, with Formula 1 the latest to unveil its own subscription-based, direct-to-consumer live-streaming product, F1 TV.

Subscribers will receive access to commercial-free live streams of each race in four languages (English, French, German, and Spanish), in addition to exclusive access to 20 driver on-board cameras throughout every race session.

“With the launch of F1 TV, we are beginning on the journey to build a cornerstone of our digital transformation,” Frank Arthofer, director, digital and new business, Formula 1, said in the platform’s official announcement. “F1 TV subscription products are clearly and centrally aimed at our hardest-core fans, and we are firm believers that, while we are bringing a new audience to the sport, we must always remain focused on delivering products and experiences that serve the most avid F1 fans.”

All practice, qualifying, and races will be offered live, along with press conferences and pre/post-race interviews for Formula 1 events. Also available on the platform will be live races from the FIA Formula 2 Championship, GP3 Series, and Porsche Supercup, among others.

“Our objective with F1 TV is simple: provide these fans with the best available service to watch live Grands Prix and provide them with the best sports OTT customer experience in the world,” added Arthofer. “Our team and our partners are singularly focused on delivering on that vision, not just for launch but over the long term. Live-streaming video is an exciting space changing almost daily.”

Tata Communications, Formula 1’s Official Connectivity Provider, will provide CDN support and connectivity services to distribute F1 TV content globally.

“F1 is the first global sport to adopt such an ambitious mobile strategy, and we’re excited to be part of it,” says Mehul Kapadia, managing director, F1 business, Tata Communications. “A single global OTT video platform, with multiple live feeds and hundreds of hours of past highlights, gives fans the power to create their own unique, immersive motorsports experiences. It’s a way to keep existing audiences hooked and attract new fans to the world of F1, too.”