ESPN will continue to broadcast F1 races in the US, after agreeing a three-year extension to the end of 2025. Full story ⬇️
The sport returned to ESPN in 2018 in what at the time was regarded as a very good deal for the network.However, it is understood that the huge explosion in US interest in the sport promoted by, together with the addition of the Miami and Las Vegas races, has ensured that the new deal is more lucrative.
F1 noted in a statement:"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, and all race broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will continue the commercial-free presentation used over the past five seasons. "All race weekends will continue to include live broadcasts of all practice sessions, qualifying and races, as well as pre-race and post-race coverage. The new agreement includes an increased focus on qualifying, with more sessions airing on ESPN or ESPN2."F1 boss Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to ESPN's role in expanding interest in the sport.
Ian Holmes, who as F1's director of media rights and content creation is responsible for doing deals, also praised ESPN.