As the current Formula One season ended with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, it remains unclear which broadcaster will show the races in Germany next year.
The TV rights contract between RTL and Formula One World Championship (FOWC) expired at the end of the current season, the broadcaster confirmed in a statement. RTL used to transmit all Formula One races live on its free-to-air channel while Sky Deutschland showed the races and additional coverage on its pay-TV platform.
The negotiations for a new rights agreement are underway, according to RTL. “We hope that we will be able to offer the many fans in Germany the royal class of motorsport free-of-charge again,” said Manfred Loppe, RTL’s head of sports.
According to industry speculation, Formula One’s new owner Liberty Media might reduce the number of races available free-to-air to make the pay-TV rights more attractive, increasing revenues from pay-TV operators.
While Sky Deutschland is keen on renewing its agreement with FOWC, Eurosport and Perform Group’s sports portal DAZN are also believed to be interested in the pay-TV rights.
