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F1 signs new multi-year Australian broadcast rights deal
Speedcafe ^ | March 3, 2026 | Ben Waterworth

Posted on 03/03/2026 4:06:48 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701

The new agreement between Formula 1 and the Foxtel Group (DAZN, a British OTT service, acquired from Fox Corporation in 2024) guarantees Australian viewers continued access to every practice, qualifying session, and race live across its streaming platform and satellite TV service.

Network 10 (Paramount Skydance, originally from the CBS 2017 acquisition of the bankrupt network) will retain free-to-air rights to the Australian Grand Prix.

DAZN's Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said the renewal reinforces the company’s long-term investment in the sport.

“Kayo Sports is Australia’s sport leader with the best live sport, and our Formula 1 extension further cements our position as the premier destination for both local and international motorsport,” Delany said.

“This extension continues our commitment to growing the sport and strengthening Australians’ connection to Formula 1.

“We’re pleased to continue delivering comprehensive Formula 1 coverage to our subscribers, with every race live in 4K, alongside our popular F1 Minis, giving Australians the most complete coverage of the sport.

“And with racing shown ad-break free, fans won’t miss a single moment.”

The extension arrives after speculation last year that Nine Entertainment, through Stan Sport, was exploring a potential bid for the rights once the previous Fox Sports agreement approached expiry.

Nine chief executive Matt Stanton had previously confirmed interest, saying “yep, definitely” when asked about pursuing the rights, though no formal challenge ultimately materialised.

The Foxtel Group’s renewed deal builds on recent broadcast enhancements, including expanded live feeds, F1 Minis and the integration of the F1 TV app on Foxtel set-top boxes.

In 2025, Kayo offered alternative commentary, including the global F1 TV feed.

Formula 1’s chief media rights and broadcast officer Ian Holmes welcomed the continuation of the partnership, pointing to the reach and presentation delivered in the Australian market.

“We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with the (DAZN) Foxtel Group so that our fans in Australia can continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 on Kayo Sports and Foxtel,” he said.

“The quality of the product and immersive experience they provide for fans takes them closer to the action, continuing to keep spectators on the edge of their seat.”

The announcement comes just days before the 2026 F1 season begins in Melbourne this weekend for the Australian Grand Prix, ensuring continuity for Australian viewers as the sport enters a new regulatory era.


TOPICS: Sports
KEYWORDS: australia; cbs; dazn; f1

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DAZN has Formula One rights in all Australia but CBS Sports (Network Ten, acquired in the 2017 bankruptcy auction of the network) will keep Australian domestic race rights under Australia's broadcast code that makes the Australian Grand Prix exclusive to either state-run Australian Broadcasting or any of Australia's networks (Seven, Nine, Ten).

The FCC had a similar rule until it was struck down by the Supreme Court in Home Box Office Inc. vs Federal Communications Commission (1977). The FCC is investigating OTT services because of rules in other countries and the danger that I believe Netflix, if we see a Newsom Presidency, will have exclusive rights to Presidential inaugurations and media conferences.

As expected, F1 media presence in the US will be reduced by Apple's restrictions.

1 posted on 03/03/2026 4:06:48 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
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