For motorsport fanatics across Australia, the news announced on March 3, 2026, is nothing short of a victory lap: Kayo Sports and Fox Sports, under the umbrella of the Foxtel Group, have officially extended their multi-year broadcasting deal for Formula 1. This significant agreement ensures that the roar of the engines, the thrill of qualifying, and the drama of every Grand Prix will continue to be delivered to Australian screens from the 2027 season and beyond, solidifying their status as the premier destination for Formula 1 in the country. [1, 2]
The extension of this long-standing partnership is a testament to Formula 1's explosive growth in recent years and the Foxtel Group's unwavering commitment to bringing world-class motorsport to its subscribers. With F1's global appeal reaching unprecedented heights, Australian fans can look forward to more high-octane action, innovative viewing experiences, and an even deeper connection to the sport they love.
This renewed multi-year agreement is far more than just a continuation; it represents an enhanced commitment to the Formula 1 fan experience. Beginning in 2027, Kayo Sports and Foxtel subscribers will continue to receive comprehensive coverage of every single Formula 1 session, including practice, qualifying, and, of course, every Grand Prix race. [1]
One of the most exciting aspects for many subscribers is the guarantee of live 4K coverage for every race on Kayo Sports, providing an immersive, crystal-clear viewing experience that truly brings the speed and spectacle of F1 to life. This commitment to high-definition broadcasting underscores the premium nature of the content and the desire to deliver an unparalleled visual feast for fans.
Beyond the stunning visuals, the deal promises:
- Ad-Break Free Racing: Crucially, races will remain ad-break free during the live action, ensuring viewers won't miss a single crucial overtake or strategic pit stop.
- Unique Live Feeds: Expect additional live feeds that offer different perspectives and insights throughout race weekends.
- F1 Minis: For those who can't catch the live broadcast, or simply want to relive the highlights, Kayo's popular "F1 Minis" – condensed, on-demand replays – will continue to be a staple.
- World-Class Commentary: The acclaimed commentary from Sky Sports will continue to be a cornerstone of the Australian broadcast, bringing expert analysis and passionate storytelling to every moment.
- Foxtel Integration: The coverage will also be fully available to traditional Foxtel subscribers, ensuring accessibility across different platforms. Furthermore, the F1TV app will remain integrated into Foxtel's set-top boxes, offering another layer of access for dedicated fans. [1, 2]
- Alternative Commentary Options: In a fan-centric move, the Foxtel Group has also confirmed plans to offer alternative commentary options for select races throughout the current 2026 season.
It's important to note that while the majority of Formula 1 content remains exclusive to the Foxtel Group, Network 10 will continue its role as the free-to-air broadcaster for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, a status protected under Federal Government legislation. This ensures that the home race, a national sporting highlight, remains accessible to a broad audience, with details for the 2026 free-to-air partner to be announced in due course. [1]
The extended deal isn't just about live races; it's about fostering a deeper connection with the entire motorsport ecosystem. A significant development confirmed alongside the F1 rights extension is the launch of a new, dedicated weekly motorsport program. This show will expand the successful '360' franchise, known for its in-depth analysis of codes like AFL (AFL 360) and NRL (NRL 360), into the world of motor racing. [2, 6]
This one-hour program will offer weekly analysis and discussion covering not only Formula 1 but also Supercars, MotoGP, and other prominent categories within the Foxtel Group's extensive motorsport portfolio. Featuring a rotating panel of drivers and experts, the show promises to deliver unparalleled insight, debate, and fan engagement, further cementing Kayo and Fox Sports as the ultimate destination for Australian motorsport enthusiasts. [2, 6]
Formula 1 has transcended its traditional motorsport audience to become a global entertainment phenomenon, and Australia has been at the forefront of this surge. The sport's growth can be attributed to several factors, most notably the impact of Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive documentary series, which has captivated millions of new fans worldwide and introduced the personalities and drama of the paddock to a broader audience. [7]
The statistics speak for themselves:
- Global Fanbase: According to Formula 1's 2025 season review, the sport now boasts a staggering global fanbase of 827 million people. This represents a remarkable 12 percent year-on-year increase and an extraordinary 63 percent rise compared to 2018. [8]
- Record Attendance: The 2025 season delivered a record-breaking combined race attendance of 6.7 million, the highest in F1 history. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne has consistently broken attendance records for three consecutive years, with an impressive 465,498 fans flocking to Albert Park in 2025 alone. [7, 9]
- Demographic Shift: The F1 audience is rapidly diversifying, with a significant shift towards younger demographics and increased female engagement. Globally, 43 percent of fans are now under the age of 35, and women account for 41 percent of the total fanbase. [7, 8]
- Broadcast Success: For Foxtel and Kayo, the 2025 F1 season was their most-watched ever, with a substantial 73 percent of that viewing occurring via streaming platforms.
This immense popularity highlights why securing long-term broadcasting rights for Formula 1 is such a strategic imperative for platforms like Kayo Sports and Fox Sports. It's not just a sport; it's a cultural movement.
Kayo Sports has firmly established itself as Australia's leading dedicated sports streaming service. With over 1 million subscribers as of February 2023 and reaching over 2 million unique audience members, it's a powerhouse in the Australian media landscape. [10, 11] Kayo offers an extensive library of over 50 sports, with 90% of its content viewed live, showcasing the Australian appetite for real-time sporting action. [10, 12] On average, Kayo fans stream more than 8 hours of sport each week, indicating deep engagement with the platform. [10]
The Foxtel Group, which owns Kayo Sports (through its subsidiary Hubbl), has been broadcasting Formula 1 for over a decade, playing a crucial role in its growing momentum in Australia. This long-standing relationship and the continued investment demonstrate a shared vision with Formula 1 for expanding the sport's reach and impact.
Patrick Delany, CEO of Foxtel Group, underscored this commitment, stating, "Kayo Sports is Australia's sport leader with the best live sport, and our extension with Formula 1 further cements our position as the premier destination for both local and international motorsport." He added that the 2025 season was their most watched ever, showcasing the success of their partnership. [1]
The multi-year extension is a win-win for all involved:
- Consistent Reach: Guarantees comprehensive distribution to a passionate and growing Australian fanbase.
- Premium Presentation: Ensures the sport is showcased in the highest quality (4K, ad-free racing), maintaining its premium brand image.
- Market Growth: Capitalizes on Australia's surging interest, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences.
- Long-term Stability: Provides financial stability and a reliable partner in a key global market.
- Retains Marquee Content: Formula 1 is "must-have" content that attracts and retains subscribers, driving significant revenue. Its unpredictable nature and mass appeal make it invaluable. [13]
- Reinforces Market Leadership: Further solidifies Kayo's position as Australia's premier sports streaming service and Fox Sports' dominance in motorsport broadcasting.
- Drives Subscriptions: The exclusive, high-quality coverage acts as a powerful magnet for new subscribers and reduces churn among existing ones.
- Enhances Ecosystem: The new dedicated motorsport program leverages the F1 content to build a broader, more engaged community around motorsport.
- Future-Proofing: Investment in 4K and enhanced digital features aligns with evolving consumer expectations for streaming quality and interactive experiences.
As Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcast Officer at Formula 1, noted, the partnership with the Foxtel Group provides a "quality of the product and immersive experience" that truly takes fans closer to the action, especially with new regulations, teams, drivers, and race locations making it "never been a more exciting time to engage with the sport."
The extended deal comes at a time when the Australian sports broadcasting landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Digital streaming platforms are increasingly becoming integral, with viewers demonstrating a clear preference for flexible and on-demand content. [14] This shift is not unique to F1; broader trends show that exclusive live sports content is a critical driver for streaming growth across platforms. [15, 14]
While traditional broadcast models still hold sway for some major events, the ability to stream live and access content on demand, with features like Kayo's 'Minis,' caters directly to modern viewing habits. The competition for sports rights is intensifying, with traditional networks facing challenges from emerging platforms, underscoring the strategic importance of this F1 extension for the Foxtel Group. [14]
The multi-year extension of the Formula 1 broadcasting deal between Kayo Sports, Fox Sports, and the Foxtel Group is excellent news for Australian motorsport fans. It assures a future where every moment of the world's most exciting racing series is available in stunning detail, with expert analysis and innovative features.
As Formula 1 continues its incredible trajectory of growth, fueled by captivating racing and strategic engagement with new audiences, Kayo Sports and Fox Sports are perfectly positioned to deliver that experience Down Under. So, buckle up, Australia – the future of Formula 1 broadcasting is secure, and it promises to be nothing short of exhilarating. The chequered flag for this deal marks the start of many more thrilling seasons to come.
- formula1.com
- tvblackbox.com.au
- speedcafe.com
- reddit.com
- grandprix.com.au
- speedcafe.com
- mi-3.com.au
- racingnews365.com
Featured image by Belén Montero I Lr Presets & LUTs on presetspix.etsy.com on Pexels
