Formula 1 has renewed its broadcast partnership with ESPN across 18 Latin American and Caribbean territories through 2028, cementing the Disney-owned network as the sport’s primary television home in the region.
The agreement extends ESPN’s coverage to include Formula 2, Formula 3, the F1 Academy, and the Porsche Super Cup, while expanding the sport’s reach in an emerging market with over 150 million fans.
The Expanded Coverage
ESPN will continue broadcasting Formula 1 across:
✓ 18 Latin American and Caribbean territories
✓ Television channels and digital platforms
✓ Disney+ streaming service
✓ Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3
✓ F1 Academy
✓ Porsche Super Cup
The agreement notably excludes Mexico and Brazil, which maintain separate broadcast arrangements.
Partnership duration: Through 2028
Latin America’s F1 Growth
Formula 1 has experienced significant growth across the region:
✓ Over 150 million fans (5% increase from 2024)
✓ 45% female audience
✓ 43% under age 35
✓ 15 regional drivers competing in F1, F2, and F3
Notable drivers include Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto and Mexican Sergio Pérez, reflecting strong regional representation on the sport’s competitive level.
Argentina’s Emergence
Argentina has become a particular growth story. The nation now has 17.2 million Formula 1 fans, making the sport the country’s most popular global sports league—surpassing both the NFL and NBA in fan engagement.
This growth has been driven by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto’s rise through Alpine’s development program, demonstrating how driver representation directly influences regional fan development.
The Broader Context
Ian Holmes, F1’s Director of Media Rights, stated: “ESPN has been a reliable broadcast partner for many years, so we’re excited to continue our collaboration and bring our sport to even more fans as we witness incredible growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Michael Walters, Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN, added: “The extension of this agreement with Formula 1 strengthens a strategic alliance that reinforces ESPN’s commitment to excellence in sports content.”
F1’s Global Rights Distribution
The Latin America renewal occurs amid significant changes to F1’s broader media rights portfolio:
North America: Apple TV+ acquired exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights beginning 2026, replacing ESPN, in a deal valued at over $140 million annually (€120 million).
Latin America/Caribbean: ESPN retains rights across 18 territories through 2028.
Europe and Global: Variable arrangements across regions reflecting regional broadcast markets.
Strategic Implications
ESPN’s retention of Latin American rights demonstrates the region’s growing strategic importance to F1’s global business. The sport’s demographic appeal—particularly to younger audiences (43% under 35) and female fans (45%)—positions it competitively against traditional sports.
The loss of North American rights to Apple reflects broader streaming platform investment in sports properties, while Latin American retention suggests ESPN maintains competitive value in emerging markets through established distribution infrastructure and regional relationships.
Growth Drivers
F1’s Latin American expansion benefits from:
✓ Regional driver representation (15 drivers across series)
✓ Streaming accessibility (Disney+ integration)
✓ Younger demographic appeal (43% under 35)
✓ Female audience growth (45% of fanbase)
✓ Local narrative development (Argentina’s Franco Colapinto story)
These factors distinguish F1’s growth trajectory from traditional sports, emphasizing digital accessibility and grassroots driver development.
The Numbers Game
The financial terms of the renewal have not been disclosed, contrasting with Apple’s transparent North American deal valuation. This privacy likely reflects negotiated agreements with regional broadcasters and ESPN’s established market position.
The sport’s claiming of 150 million fans in Latin America positions F1 as a major sports property in the region, with significant growth potential through expanded digital distribution and continued driver development.