The reigning Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen and Viaplay have agreed a multi-year partnership that will see the Dutch driver feature in exclusive content for Viaplay viewers.
Fans will be able to stream documentary programming in which Verstappen reveals the secrets to conquering Formula 1’s toughest circuits, along with glimpses into his life away from the sport’s pressures, and much more. Verstappen will also become a Viaplay ambassador in all markets in which Viaplay holds rights to show Formula 1.
Commenting on the development, Verstappen said: “I am really looking forward to this exciting partnership with Viaplay, as our ambitions to be the best in our fields match each other. It will be great to work with Viaplay’s professional on-site reporters like David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen and Tom Kristensen. I’m sure their experience as former top drivers will be a great asset. Viaplay might be new to the Dutch viewers, but is a proven international online video streaming service. It is amazing that I will be able to reach lots of fans with the unique content that we are going to create together”.
Anders Jensen, NENT Group president and CEO, added: “Max Verstappen and Viaplay are a perfect fit. We are a world leader in streaming sports, where we are well on our way to showing more than 100,000 live hours every year from an unmatched rights portfolio, while Max’s thrilling skills have taken him to the top as the 34th World Drivers’ Champion. And we’re both ready to accelerate even further! We look forward to working closely with this talented and charismatic superstar”.
Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group chief sports officer, said: “Partnering with Max Verstappen shows the strength of our commitment to Formula 1. Viaplay covers this fantastic sport in a way that is simply not available anywhere else, with the very best studios, driver access and on-air talents like Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard and Tom Kristensen. Adding exclusive content from Max will take viewers inside the fastest show on Earth like never before”.
Viaplay will launch in the Netherlands on March 1 with a combination of premium live sports, Viaplay Originals, international films and series, and kids content. Alongside Formula 1, the service will be the Dutch home of Bundesliga, PDC darts and more, with Premier League to follow from August. Viaplay will be priced at €13.99 per month and be available through distribution partners such as KPN and VodafoneZiggo as well as via direct subscriptions.
