Formula 1 grands prix will be shown live on ServusTV in Austria for the first time next season after a three-year deal was agreed, championship officials announced on Tuesday.
ServusTV, which is owned by Red Bull, will share live coverage of grands prix with long-term Formula 1 broadcaster ORF, with the exact split of events to be decided upon at the start of each year.
Both channels will carry a live broadcast of the Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull-owned Red Bull Ring, in a deal that runs through 2023.
“We are delighted to have concluded this new and unique agreement,” said Formula 1’s Director of Media Rights Ian Holmes.
“F1’s loyal fans will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds with comprehensive live and delayed coverage shared between the two-leading free-to-air platforms in Austria.
“I am sure Formula 1 will benefit from ServusTV’s extraordinary energy, style and enthusiasm which will perfectly complement ORF’s hugely popular, knowledgeable, and respected production.
“We look forward to welcoming ServusTV and continuing our on-going relationship with ORF.”
ServusTV already broadcasts MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship in Austria.
“After the historic season opener at the Red Bull Ring, I am especially pleased that next year we will be broadcasting the Austrian Grand Prix for the first time and many more races live on ServusTV,” said ServusTV chief Ferdinand Wegscheider.
“The new agreement with the Formula 1 fills us with pride and we will do our utmost to write another success story in Austrian motorsport coverage, parallel to MotoGP.
“With Formula 1, MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship, ServusTV will offer the best live motorsport program to viewers from 2021 onward.
“The cooperation with ORF makes sense economically and guarantees that Formula One fans have access to all races live on free-TV.”