Formula 1, the premier single-seater auto racing competition, has signed an exclusive ten-year deal with the Qatar-based sports channel, beIN Sports. This agreement signifies a major development in broadcasting across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Turkey.
The exclusive deal, which is scheduled to last until 2033, spans 25 territories and ensures that beIN Sports’ channels and its live-streaming app TOD will broadcast all practice sessions, F1 Sprint events, and Grand Prix races.
Under this agreement, beIN and F1 will collaboratively curate localised content tailored specifically for the MENA audience, spanning diverse formats and platforms.
The Middle East has undeniably cemented its status as a focal point for F1 over the past two decades, since the inception of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Over half a million ardent supporters attended events in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia last year alone.
The newly unveiled association is closely followed by beIN’s earlier triumph, securing broadcasting rights for Formula 1 across ten Asian territories last year.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “Since Formula 1 first raced in Bahrain in 2004, we have seen the growth of a passionate fanbase in the Middle East who love to go racing. With beIN, we have found a partner who elevate the broadcast experience and create best-in-class programming that delivers against our mission to showcase the drama and spectacle of Formula 1 for our fans at home.”
Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1, said, “With four races and a rapidly growing fanbase, demand for Formula 1 in the Middle East and Turkey is at an all time high. In recent years, beIN has established itself as one of the leading sports broadcasters in the world, offering fans unparalleled coverage across its sports portfolio. We look forward to working with them, utilising their extensive production capabilities in Doha, to continue to elevate F1’s broadcast programming and create tailor-made content that engages fans in the region and encapsulates the drama and excitement of Formula 1.”
Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP, said, “We are delighted to see the return of Formula 1 live and exclusively on beIN across 25 countries spanning the MENA region and Türkiye. beIN continues to be the undisputed home of sport across MENA and Türkiye, with Formula 1 the centerpiece of our incredible portfolio. We look forward to creating thrilling Formula 1 experiences for millions of fans and growing a new generation of followers through exciting regional content and innovative broadcasting.
“This deal is also testament to the fantastic long-term success and continued ambitions of beIN Media Group as one of the leading sports, entertainment, and media groups in the world.”
beIN Sports is a Qatari multinational sports channel network under the ownership and management of the Qatari media conglomerate, beIN. Within the MENA region, beIN Sports is a dominant television sports channel. Moreover, it extends its operations to countries such as France, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Notably, in the recent past, Formula 1 also extended its two-decade-old partnership with DHL.
The 75th F1 World Championship is set to make history with 24 grand prix events spanning the globe. The season’s first race, scheduled for March 2, will kick off at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.