In the high-stakes paddock of Australian sports media, the most valuable piece of tarmac isn’t at Albert Park—it’s the digital space inside a viewer’s set-top box. Today, the Foxtel Group sent a clear message to its rivals: the “Home of Motorsport” isn’t changing its address.
By securing a multi-year extension for Formula 1 rights starting in 2027, Foxtel and its streaming juggernaut, Kayo Sports, have successfully locked down the crown jewel of global racing. The deal ensures that every screech of a tire and every tactical radio call will remain behind the Foxtel firewall for the foreseeable future.
The Defensive Play: Defeating the “Stan Threat”
To understand the weight of this renewal, one must look at the predatory movements of Stan Sport. Over the last 24 months, the Nine Network-owned streamer has been systematically picking off secondary motorsport properties, hoarding IndyCar, WEC, and Formula E in an attempt to build a “challenger brand.”
Had Stan secured F1, it would have been a knockout blow to Kayo Sports’ dominance. Instead, Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany has doubled down. By retaining F1 alongside their existing Supercars and MotoGP deals, Foxtel has ensured that the “churn rate” (users unsubscribing after a season) remains low. For a dedicated petrolhead in Australia, unsubscribing from Kayo is now effectively a divorce from 90% of relevant global racing.
F1TV Integration: The “Killer App” Strategy
A pivotal part of this deal—and one that sets Australia apart from other markets—is the deep integration of the F1TV app.
Unlike the US, where fans might juggle ESPN and F1TV Pro, Foxtel has folded the product into its own ecosystem. This isn’t just about broadcasting a race; it’s about the “second screen” experience. Subscribers get the onboard cameras, the pit-lane channels, and the archives without leaving the Foxtel interface. For F1, this partnership offers guaranteed reach in a country where the 2025 season was officially the most-watched in history.
The Regulatory Dance: Network 10 and Anti-Siphoning
The announcement also settles the “free-to-air” question. Under Australia’s stringent anti-siphoning laws, major events of national importance must be available for free. Network 10 will continue its role as the junior partner, airing the Australian Grand Prix only.
This “near-exclusive” model is a win for Formula 1’s commercial wing. They satisfy the government’s requirements via Network 10 while milking the premium subscription revenue through Foxtel’s massive 4.5 million+ subscriber base.
The DAZN Shadow
Perhaps the most intriguing subtext of this deal is the ownership. Foxtel is now under the umbrella of DAZN, the global sports streaming titan. This F1 extension is one of the first major moves under the new regime, signaling that DAZN views the Australian market as a high-margin territory worth defending.
As F1 enters a new era in 2026 with radical engine regulations and the potential arrival of new teams (and local hero Oscar Piastri hitting his prime), Foxtel isn’t just buying content; they are buying the next decade of Australian sports culture.