Spanish Grand Prix to Be Shown for Free F… read more
Spanish Formula 1 fans will be able to enjoy the excitement of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix without needing a subscription, thanks to a new broadcast agreement between DAZN and Mediaset. The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from May 30 to June 1, will be shown live and free-to-air across Spain.
DAZN, the primary broadcaster of Formula 1 in Spain, holds exclusive rights to air the sport in the country. However, in a move that mirrors previous years, DAZN has once again partnered with Mediaset, a major free-to-air broadcaster. This partnership ensures that, for the fifth year running, Spanish viewers can enjoy their home Grand Prix live and without any additional cost.
The full weekend of racing action—including free practice sessions, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself—will be available to everyone in Spain. This deal comes at a pivotal time for Spanish motorsport fans, as changes may be on the horizon regarding the location of the Spanish Grand Prix. While the historic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted the event for decades, the future of the venue is under review. Madrid has secured the rights to host a new street circuit event starting in 2026, with plans for the race to take place around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre. A construction licence for the Madrid street circuit has already been granted, raising speculation that the Spanish Grand Prix may shift venues in the near future.
Despite the looming uncertainty, the 2025 race will continue the long-standing tradition at the Barcelona circuit, a track known for its technical layout and suitability for testing driver skill. The venue remains a fan favorite and holds sentimental value for both drivers and teams, particularly Spanish drivers such as two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and rising star Carlos Sainz.
This new broadcasting arrangement highlights a broader trend and discussion in the Formula 1 community regarding access to live coverage. While fans in Spain will enjoy free coverage of their home race, fans in other countries often face more limited access. In the UK, for example, Sky Sports has held the exclusive live broadcasting rights to Formula 1 since 2012. British fans can only watch full race weekends through a paid subscription, though Channel 4 continues to provide race highlights and full live coverage of the British Grand Prix.
There has been ongoing debate among fans and commentators about the accessibility of the sport. Free-to-air broadcasts can help increase viewership and attract new fans, particularly in younger and more casual demographics. In Spain, the availability of the race on free-to-air television provides an opportunity to grow the sport’s popularity, especially among fans who may not be willing or able to pay for a premium subscription.
Although a return to full-time free-to-air Formula 1 coverage in the UK seems unlikely in the near future, the Spanish model could serve as a blueprint for similar agreements in other regions. This approach allows key national events to remain accessible to the general public, while still preserving the revenue streams generated by premium sports broadcasters.
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, marking the ninth round of the 2025 season, is shaping up to be a thrilling and meaningful race for Spanish fans. With the race now available for all to watch, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most memorable events of the season. Whether from the grandstands or their living rooms, fans across Spain will be able to cheer on their favorite drivers without missing a moment of the action.