Formula 1 has announced the debut of its over-the-top (OTT) platform F1 TV Pro in India for the first time.
Earlier, Star Sports Network used to air Formula 1. But nevertheless, the one-stop destination for sports in India has now been changing its sports selection in order to concentrate on key properties in the Indian market. Thus, F1 TV Pro will now be the only medium for fans in India to watch live Formula 1 since the competition has not yet signed a deal with a regular broadcaster in the country.
In regards to ensuring reach, the initial pricing scheme for F1 TV Pro could be troublesome. Notwithstanding the fact that India is a largely unexplored market for motorsports, Formula 1 has chosen to charge INR 249 each month or INR 2,999 for the entire season. In comparison, Disney+ Hotstar offers a much more economical plan which costs INR 299 per month or INR 1,499 and also provides a wide range of sports content.
It is still unclear whether a broadcast agreement will be reached before the lights go out in two weeks when the new Formula 1 season kicks off in Bahrain on March 5.
The economic case for a contract is weak if other, less expensive rights properties are able to attract more viewers at a lesser cost than Formula 1 events, which are reported to draw in between six and eight million viewers every race in India.