F1 extends free-to-air TV coverage deal in Germany with RTL

RTL will show F1 track action for the next three seasons, building on its previous two-year deal. It has covered the sport in Germany since 1991, and previously between 1984 and ’88.

Last year’s F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg and former Jordan and Toyota racer Timo Glock will take over the punditry role in 2018 from Niki Lauda.

“Germany is one of the most important countries for Formula 1, where motorsport has deep roots, and RTL Television has been a fantastic and loyal partner for many years,” said Formula 1’s Director of Media Rights, Ian Holmes. “The extension of the agreement comes as a natural consequence of such a strong and mutually fruitful relationship and will guarantee that our fans in Germany will continue to watch Grands Prix on free TV.

“The agreement is part of our strategy that aims to increase and strengthen television coverage on a worldwide basis, whilst tailoring it to the characteristics of each TV market.”

Frank Hoffman, Managing Director of Programs at RTL Television 1 added: “I’m very pleased that as a free-to-air TV station we were able to secure one of the most attractive sports-rights packages out there in such a bitterly contested market.

“We now want to take this long-running success story that we share with Formula 1 and make it into an exciting future project. The new owners have now entered into a new and exciting era together with us and all of our experience, know-how and innovative power will be at their side.”

Audience figures for Germany in 2017 recorded an average of 4.295m viewers per race, with the average live share increasing from 25.1% to 26.2% compared to 2016.