Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition, has announced the renewal of its significant broadcast partnership with Tencent.
The agreement has solidified the leading Chinese digital platform as the exclusive home for F1 in mainland China for a multi-year term extending through the end of the 2027 season.
This extension underscores the booming popularity of motorsport in China and the joint commitment of both organizations to deliver comprehensive, engaging, and cutting-edge coverage to its rapidly expanding fanbase.
Under the renewed agreement, Tencent will continue to leverage its extensive digital ecosystem to bring the exhilaration of every F1 Grand Prix, Qualifying session, Practice session, and F1 Sprint event throughout the season directly to Chinese audiences. Fans can expect high-definition visuals, immersive onboard camera feeds, expert commentary, and interactive features, significantly enhancing the viewing experience for both dedicated enthusiasts and those new to the sport.
The timing of this announcement coincides with heightened anticipation for the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025, scheduled to take place in Shanghai. Tencent Sports is set to broadcast extensive and dedicated programming surrounding this highly anticipated home race, offering in-depth analysis of racing technology, team strategies, driver narratives, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Speaking on the renewal, Michaella Snoeck, Head of Media Rights at Formula 1, said, “Since the return of Formula 1 to China last year, it’s been great to see millions of fans across China tune in every weekend to watch the drama and excitement of Formula 1. The incredible viewership shows a real passion for the sport, and by bringing F1 ACADEMY to China for the first time this season, we hope to continue to build on the growing female audience in the country. In Tencent, we have a dedicated partner who is committed to producing world-class broadcasts across its digital platforms that further ignite fans’ love of motorsport throughout the country.”
Jeff Han, Vice President of Tencent Online Video, added, “The popularity of F1 events in China is on the rise, particularly among younger audiences. Our collaboration with F1 is poised to ignite a new wave of motorsport enthusiasm. We aim to enhance the broadcasting of F1 events and develop high-quality content, enabling more users to experience the passion and unique allure of motorsport in a comprehensive and intuitive manner, thereby further promoting the growth and dissemination of racing culture in China.”
Beyond the premier F1 series, Tencent will also support the broadcast of the F1 Academy, further demonstrating its commitment to developing motorsport talent and engaging a broader and more diverse audience. The inclusion of the first Chinese driver, Shi Wei, in the F1 Academy series, which will commence its season in Shanghai, adds another layer of excitement and local interest for fans.
This partnership renewal arrives at a pivotal moment of significant growth for F1 in China. The sport has witnessed a substantial surge in viewership, with the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix attracting over 14.8 million viewers – a remarkable 50% increase compared to 2019. F1’s commitment to the region is further solidified by its long-term presence, with racing secured in China through 2030.