BeIn Sports buys the broadcasting rights of F1 in Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa until 2033

Formula 1 (Liberty Media) has just concluded a ten-year partnership with beIN SPORTS for the exclusive broadcast of F1 in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Turkey. This agreement, which extends until 2033, will cover 25 territories in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and Turkey. beIN Sports thus obtains the broadcasting rights for each F1 race weekend, including practice sessions, F1 Sprint events, and Grand Prix races, on its channels and its live streaming application.

A major aspect of this agreement is the creation of a regional content production partnership. beIN and Formula 1 will work closely together to develop localized content for the MENA region, adapted to different formats and platforms, in order to better engage and expand the F1 fan base.

The Middle East has established itself as a focal point for Formula 1 since the first Bahrain Grand Prix twenty years ago. Last year, over half a million fans attended the Grand Prix races in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia combined. The region has one of the youngest and most diverse fan bases in the sport, with a significant proportion of women and young people under 35. More than 50% of new fans in the MENA region started following F1 in the last four years.

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1, stated: “With four races and a rapidly growing fan base, the demand for Formula 1 in the Middle East and Turkey is at a record level. In recent years, beIN has established itself as one of the leading sports broadcasters in the world, offering fans unparalleled coverage across its sports portfolio. We look forward to working with them, leveraging their extensive production capabilities in Doha, to further elevate F1 broadcast programming and create bespoke content that engages fans in the region and captures the drama and excitement of Formula 1.”

Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of the beIN MEDIA GROUP, stated: “We are delighted to see the return of Formula 1 live and exclusively on beIN in 25 countries covering the MENA region and Turkey. beIN continues to be the undisputed home of sports across the MENA region and Turkey, with Formula 1 at the heart of our incredible portfolio. We look forward to creating thrilling Formula 1 experiences for millions of fans and developing a new generation of followers through exciting regional content and innovative broadcasting. This agreement also reflects the fantastic long-term success and ongoing ambitions of beIN Media Group as one of the world’s leading sports, entertainment, and media companies.”

In France, Canal+ has signed the TV rights to broadcast Formula 1 until 2029 after its extension in 2022 .