Saturday 30 September 2023

Broadband TV News: Viaplay and Formula 1 ink Netherlands deal

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay Group and Formula 1 have entered into a strategic partnership in the Netherlands that will see Viaplay customers able to access F1 TV Pro as part of their subscriptions alongside Viaplay’s Formula 1 coverage.

The agreement covers the 2024 FIA Formula 1 season and Viaplay will continue to show all Formula 1 races live with Dutch commentary, along with every qualifying session and free practice, and to offer studio programming, documentaries and highlights.

Through F1 TV Pro, which will be available as a standalone product, Viaplay viewers will be able to enjoy additional features such as international commentary, multiple onboard cameras, pitlane and paddock feeds, in-race radio communications and more.

The partnership will be supported by an innovative business model intended to grow both parties’ businesses and aims to increase the relevance of Formula 1 for local viewers even further through a richer combined offering.

Commenting on the partnership, Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, said: “Working with Viaplay is hugely enjoyable, and I’m proud of the unique content we deliver together to fans in the Netherlands and around the world. It’s great news that Viaplay and F1 TV Pro are now teaming up and bringing Dutch audiences even closer to the action every race weekend”.

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, Viaplay Group president and CEO, added: “We’re creating an outstanding sports streaming product that fans across the Netherlands simply cannot miss. Formula 1’s Max Verstappen, the Premier League’s Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Erik ten Hag, three-time PDC world champ Michael van Gerwen and more – Viaplay offers the biggest Dutch personalities in sports, week in, week out. Adding this first-of-its-kind partnership with F1 TV Pro means even more options, immersive racing experiences and insights for our subscribers, and puts us in pole position for the future”.

Peter Nørrelund, Viaplay Group EVP and chief sports & business development officer, said: “The Netherlands is one of the world’s most exciting Formula 1 markets, with a rich motorsport heritage, a local legend rewriting the record books, and millions of passionate and knowledgeable fans. This creates great opportunities for both a broad streaming product such as Viaplay and a specialised service like F1 TV Pro. Working together, with the added support of our partnership with Max Verstappen, is a win-win for supporters and for each platform”.

Ian Holmes, Formula One director of media rights and content creation, said: “We’re very excited to bring F1 TV Pro to even more fans in the Netherlands thanks to this innovative partnership, which represents a new model for us in the territory. Viaplay subscribers will now be able to complement their existing high-quality F1 experience with F1 TV Pro’s exciting features and vast content library”.

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