Mumbai: Bein Sports has secured exclusive rights to the Formula 1 World Championships in ten territories across Asia. The new media rights agreement begins in 2023 and runs until the conclusion of the 2025 championship, which will include rights to all Grand Prix, Sprint Races, Qualifying and Practice Sessions.
The ten Asian territories included in the agreement are Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Coverage begins with the season opener, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir International Circuit from 3-5 March. The popular night race, the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, takes place from 15-17 September, with the 2023 Formula One season concluding in the twilight of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 24-26 November.
Other notable races include the returning Qatar Grand Prix from 6-8 October, following hot on the heels of Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The new race on the calendar for 2023 is the Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix taking place 16-18 November, which will see the drivers race along the iconic strip in F1’s first Saturday race in almost 40 years.
Formula 1’s coverage on beIN SPORTS channels will be available on major pay-TV platforms in the region, including on beIN’s live streaming app, Bein Sports Connect.
Bein Asia Pacific MD Mike Kerr said, "We are extremely excited to add Formula 1 as we continue to invest in strengthening our ever-expanding line-up of sports content for our viewers. With the rapid growth Formula 1 has experienced in recent years, we look forward to working alongside Formula 1 to broaden its fan base in our markets by bringing an unparalleled viewing experience across all screens."
Formula 1 director of media rights and content creation Ian Holmes said, "Following a number of years of growing interest across Asia, we are delighted to announce this partnership with beIN SPORTS. As Formula 1 continues to attract new fans around the world, world class broadcasting is key, and this agreement will allow us to find new and innovative ways for our Asian fans to follow and engage with our sport."
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen will be looking to defend his crown, having won the last two drivers' titles. His team will also be defending the Constructors’ Championship, having dethroned Mercedes to claim the title for the first time in eight seasons.
Formula One joins a schedule of live sporting action on Bein Sports. Last year, Bein had acquired two tennis Grand Slams—the Australian Open and Roland-Garros—in 10 territories across the Asia region, covering five editions of the tournament from 2022 to 2026. Bein’s sports content includes the ATP Tour, UEFA Champions League, Uefa Europa League, FA Cup, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and more.
