F1 have launched a free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel in the USA.
The new channel will broadcast pre-scheduled programming from classic races and popular F1 documentaries, whilst also reliving previous race weekends through the season.
Replays and detailed highlights of current F1, F2, F3 and F1 Academy seasons will also be made available on the FAST channel, albeit five days after the Grands Prix.
C15 Studio will operate the FAST channel whilst Amazon Freevee – current home of Australian soap, Neighbours – will be amongst leading services to broadcast the FAST channel alongside Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV.
Director of F1 Media Rights and Content Creation, Ian Holmes has described the step into the world of FAST channels as “the latest development by F1 designed to further evolve and elevate our content experience for fans.”
Holmes also stated that the F1 FAST channel will cater for “the diverse viewing habits of our USA fanbase and serves as a great entry point for new fans into the sport, through strong curated programming, which aims to showcase the drama of F1.”
The channel will also support US’s core live coverage from US broadcaster, ESPN and F1’s own direct to consumer streaming service – F1 TV.
As for the potential implications upon ESPN and F1 TV, Holmes added: “Together with C15 Studio, we hope to develop the Formula 1 Channel into an industry leading product, that serves alongside our existing live broadcast offering with ESPN and F1 TV, to give fans a truly comprehensive F1 experience 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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