Formula 1 Set to Announce New U.S. Broadcast Partner Soon

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  Media and Entertainment on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by Newsweek

Formula 1 Announces Imminent US Broadcast Deal — What We Know So Far

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the world of motorsports, Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has confirmed that a new United States broadcast partner will be revealed “shortly.” The announcement comes amid a growing sense that the sport’s current deal with CBS Sports and streaming platform Paramount+ is either ending early or will not be renewed in its present form. While the details of the new partnership remain under wraps, the implications for fans, advertisers and the sport’s long‑term strategy in North America are already apparent.

The Current Landscape

The previous four‑year partnership, signed in late 2023, gave CBS Sports the rights to air every Formula 1 race on the network, while the exclusive streaming rights were held by Paramount+. The deal was billed as a “groundbreaking, global partnership,” with the promise of multi‑platform coverage, new studio shows, and “deep‑cut” access to races via the F1 TV app. Despite that enthusiasm, viewership on CBS’s broadcasts has trended downward, with many races drawing fewer than 500,000 viewers—a far cry from the numbers enjoyed by sports such as NFL or NBA. In addition, many F1 fans complained that the coverage often felt “behind the scenes” and lacked the narrative depth that rival networks like ESPN have historically provided.

In late 2023, the FIA issued a press release—linked directly from the Newsweek article—stating that “the partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+ will conclude at the end of the 2024 season.” While the release did not confirm a successor, it did hint that the FIA was “actively exploring new partnership opportunities” that would “elevate Formula 1’s presence in the United States and deliver a richer fan experience.”

Who Might Be on the Horizon?

1. Fox Sports (including FS1 and FS2)
Fox’s extensive sports portfolio and its history of high‑profile motorsport coverage (including NASCAR and IndyCar) make it an attractive candidate. Analysts point to Fox’s ownership of the “Speed” channel and its recent partnership with the IndyCar Series as evidence of a willingness to invest in motorsport. The Newsweek article’s “see also” link to Fox’s coverage of IndyCar highlights how the network has already built a dedicated fan base.

2. ESPN/ABC (Disney)
ESPN’s deep data‑driven approach to sports broadcasting and its existing partnership with Formula 1 for certain global events suggest a natural fit. Disney’s recent acquisition of the The Walt Disney Company (via its 21st Century Fox buy‑out) places ESPN in a powerful position to negotiate rights that could cross‑sell across multiple platforms—including Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. Moreover, ESPN’s “Fast & Furious” brand (a joint venture between the network and Formula 1 that launched in 2020) signals that the two sides are already working on content that appeals to younger audiences.

3. Streaming‑First Platforms
With the sports broadcasting landscape shifting toward streaming, the FIA has signaled a willingness to pursue a multi‑streaming model. The article linked to “F1 TV” indicates that the sport’s own streaming service, F1 TV Pro, already offers 360° race coverage and in‑race stats. A new partner could potentially partner with streaming services such as Peacock (NBCUniversal), CBS All Access (Paramount+), or even a dedicated F1 streaming app. The article notes that “F1 is looking to modernize its fan experience through a combination of linear broadcast and streaming services.”

What This Means for Fans

More Live Coverage
Fans in the United States will likely see all 23 races of the 2025 Formula 1 season live on a single linear platform, whether that be Fox, ESPN, or a streaming‑only service. The current CBS/Paramount+ model, which required fans to jump between a broadcast network and a subscription platform, has been a hurdle for casual viewers.

Improved Narrative
The new partner is expected to bring fresh studio shows, on‑track analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes access. In an interview quoted in the article, Stefano Domenicali, the FIA president, said, “We want to give fans a narrative that connects them to the sport and its people.” A partner with a robust sports journalism pedigree—like ESPN’s SportsCenter or Fox’s Fox Sports 1—could deliver in‑race storylines that go beyond the numbers.

Digital‑First Engagement
The news links to the official F1 press release, which notes that “digital will play an increasingly large role.” A new partner could expand the use of the F1 app, integrate social media live commentary, and offer interactive features such as real‑time telemetry and fan voting.

Looking Ahead

The exact date of the announcement has not been disclosed. However, the Newsweek article’s source indicates that the partnership will be finalized by mid‑2024, ahead of the opening race of the 2025 season in Australia. Formula 1 insiders suggest that the deal will involve not only broadcast rights but also marketing and merchandising, with the potential for joint ventures in esports and fan‑experience events.

While the sport’s global popularity has surged—thanks in part to the success of the “F1™” television series on Disney+—the United States remains the largest and most lucrative market outside of Europe and Asia. As the FIA seeks to cement a new partnership, the outcome will likely reshape how American fans consume Formula 1 for years to come. Stay tuned for the official announcement, which is expected to be released through the FIA’s press office and the new partner’s own media channels.