Formula 1 (F1) has extended its long-standing broadcast partnership with ESPN, securing exclusive live coverage of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship across Latin America and the Caribbean through 2026.
Under the renewed agreement, ESPN will continue to broadcast every Formula 1 Grand Prix, including Sprint events, qualifying sessions and practice sessions throughout the season. The deal also covers support championships Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and Porsche Super Cup, subject to territory-specific programming arrangements.
The renewal comes amid sustained growth for Formula 1 across the region, which now accounts for more than 150 million fans, reflecting a 5 percent increase compared to 2024. The demographic profile underscores the sport’s evolving audience base, with 45 percent female fans and 43 percent under the age of 35.
Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer of Formula 1, said, “ESPN has been a trusted broadcast partner for many years, so we are excited to continue our collaboration and take our sport to even more fans as we witness incredible growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. This has been helped enormously by the dedication and passion of the ESPN team to bring our fans the latest F1 action through world class broadcasting. We look forward to working with them into 2026 as the next generation of regulations come into force, which will shake up the competition and create huge excitement and drama.”
Michael Walters, Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN, added, “The extension of this agreement with Formula 1 strengthens a strategic alliance that reinforces ESPN’s commitment to excellence in sports content. Through comprehensive, multiplatform coverage, we will continue bringing the passionate audiences of Spanish-speaking South America, Central America, and the Caribbean the highest level of international motorsport.”
Latin America remains one of Formula 1’s most strategically important territories, supported by established fan bases in Mexico and Brazil and growing engagement across the Caribbean. On track, regional representation continues to strengthen. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto and Mexican driver Sergio Pérez are among 15 drivers across F1, F2 and F3 competing under Latin American flags.
Interest in Argentina has surged following the rise of Franco Colapinto at Alpine. The country now counts 17.2 million Formula 1 fans, making the championship its most popular global sports league, ahead of both the NFL and the NBA.
The extension aligns with Formula 1’s broader global media strategy focused on long-term rights stability in high-growth markets. Media rights remain the single largest contributor to Formula 1’s revenues, and maintaining strong distribution partnerships in emerging territories is central to its commercial expansion.
By renewing its agreement with ESPN, Formula 1 secures continuity across a rapidly expanding region while positioning itself to capitalise on regulatory changes in 2026 that are expected to reshape competition and drive further audience growth.
