Formula 1 fans in Spain will have the opportunity to watch the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix on free-to-air television, thanks to a new agreement between DAZN, a paid sports subscription service, and Mediaset, a popular free-to-air channel in Spain. Although DAZN holds the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in Spain, the deal with Mediaset ensures that the Spanish Grand Prix will be available to a wider audience.
This marks the fifth consecutive season that the Spanish Grand Prix has been broadcast on free-to-air television, providing fans with uninterrupted access to the event. The race will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from May 30 to June 1, 2025. However, the future of the Spanish Grand Prix at this iconic circuit is uncertain due to the introduction of a new Spanish race in the calendar.
A street circuit race in Madrid, scheduled to debut in 2026, has received a construction license, potentially threatening the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s place in the Formula 1 calendar. The Madrid race will run past the IFEMA Exhibition Centre, adding a new dimension to Spain’s Formula 1 landscape.
The agreement between DAZN and Mediaset is a significant development for Spanish fans, who will be able to watch the Spanish Grand Prix without requiring a subscription. This deal highlights the ongoing efforts to balance paid and free-to-air broadcasting in the world of Formula 1.
In contrast, the broadcasting landscape in the UK is different, with Sky Sports holding the rights to show Formula 1. However, Channel 4 has a deal to show highlights and the British Grand Prix is still broadcast on free-to-air television. While a similar deal in Spain has made the Spanish Grand Prix accessible to a broader audience, it remains unlikely that Formula 1 will return to full-time free-to-air broadcasting in the UK anytime soon.
The broadcasting team for Formula 1 has become an integral part of the sport’s appeal, with legendary commentators and pundits providing expert analysis and insights. In the UK, personalities like Martin Brundle, David Croft, and Ted Kravitz have become household names among Formula 1 fans. Other notable pundits and guests, such as Bernie Collins, Naomi Schiff, Anthony Davidson, and Karun Chandhok, have also contributed to the rich commentary and analysis that fans enjoy.
The official press release confirming the broadcast of the Spanish Grand Prix on free-to-air television has been well-received by Spanish fans. With practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race all available to watch without subscription, fans can follow the action from start to finish. This accessibility is crucial for building and maintaining a strong fan base, and the agreement between DAZN and Mediaset is a positive step in this direction.
As the Formula 1 calendar continues to evolve, the dynamics between different races and broadcasting deals will remain a topic of interest. The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, and fans in Spain can look forward to watching the race unfold on free-to-air television. The future of Formula 1 broadcasting may see further changes, but for now, Spanish fans are set to enjoy their home grand prix without any barriers.
