Formula 1® has confirmed a renewal of its broadcast partnership with ESPN inc., extending coverage across 18 countries in Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil, as well as the Caribbean until the close of the 2028 season. This agreement launches ahead of the upcoming F1 season opener in Melbourne from March 6 to March 8, ensuring expanded access to the sport for fans throughout the region.
The deal will provide comprehensive coverage of every practice session, qualifying round, F1 Sprint races, and full Grand Prix events. Alongside main Formula 1 content, viewers can also watch support races including Formula 2 and Formula 3, as well as the all-female F1 ACADEMY™ series and the Porsche Super Cup, broadening the motorsport experience available across ESPN platforms.
Multi-Platform Viewing Offers Fans Expanded Access
Fans across Latin America and the Caribbean will have the opportunity to follow Formula 1 on ESPN’s traditional channels and digital platforms. This includes ESPN’s OTT streaming service Disney+, ESPN Premium in Chile, and Fox Sports networks in Argentina, thereby enhancing accessibility. The sport’s popularity continues to rise sharply in these regions, driven by growing global interest and a strong local fanbase.
With over 150 million motorsport enthusiasts in the Latin America and Caribbean region—reflecting a 5% increase from 2024—females constitute 45% of the audience while 43% are under the age of 35. The region also features significant representation on the track, with 15 drivers from Latin America competing across various Formula 1, F2, and F3 events, including Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto and Mexican star Sergio Pérez.
Local Heroes and Regional Growth Energize F1 Following
Interest in Formula 1 has notably surged in Argentina, fueled by the rise of local talent Franco Colapinto, who races for Alpine. Argentina now claims 17.2 million F1 fans, making the sport the country’s most popular global league, surpassing the NFL and NBA market share. This rise exemplifies motorsport’s expanding footprint in South America and the wider Latin America region.
Statements from Formula 1 and ESPN Leadership
Ian Holmes, Formula 1’s Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer, expressed optimism about the extended partnership:
“ESPN has been a trusted broadcast partner for many years, so we are excited to continue our collaboration, and take our sport to even more fans as we witness incredible growth across Latin America and the Caribbean. This has been helped enormously by the dedication and passion of the ESPN team to bring our fans the latest F1 action through world class broadcasting. We look forward to working with them into 2026 as the next generation of regulations come into force, which will shake up the competition and create huge excitement and drama.” – Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer, Formula 1
Michael Walters, ESPN’s Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, highlighted the strategic value of the agreement:
“The extension of this agreement with Formula 1 strengthens a strategic alliance that reinforces ESPN’s commitment to excellence in sports content. Through comprehensive, multiplatform coverage, we will continue bringing the passionate audiences of Spanish-speaking South America, Central America, and the Caribbean the highest level of international motorsport.” – Michael Walters, Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN
Impact and Future Prospects for Formula 1 in Latin America and the Caribbean
This extended agreement reinforces Formula 1’s strong positioning in Latin America and the Caribbean through ESPN’s broad reach and multiplatform approach. As the sport evolves with new technical regulations scheduled for implementation starting in 2026, this partnership positions fans in the region to experience heightened competition and drama firsthand.
The rise in regional viewership and driver representation is set to cultivate deeper fan engagement and promote motorsport’s cultural relevance across these markets. With access from multiple platforms, including linear TV and streaming services, the renewed ESPN deal signals a promising future for Formula 1’s presence and popularity in Latin America and the Caribbean.
