Formula 1 to launch F1 TV in May at 2018 Spanish Grand Prix

By Asher Fair | Apr 14, 2018

MONTMELO, SPAIN - MAY 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the (5) Scuderia Ferrari SF70H leads Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes F1 WO8 and the rest of the field at the start during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 14, 2017 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /

Formula 1 are set to officially launch F1 TV in May ahead of the 2018 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Prior to the fifth race of the 21-race 2018 Formula 1 season, which is the Spanish Grand Prix at the 16-turn, 4.655-kilometer (2.892-mile) Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, the launch of F1 TV is set to take place.

Prior to the official launch of F1 TV, Formula 1 are set to continue to run the closed beta version of the service in tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in two weeks. These are the only two races remaining prior to the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, May 13th. The current service is only available to a small group of fans to view and test.

According to Formula1.com, F1 TV is Formula 1’s over the top subscription platform, and its launch is set to mark the biggest investment that F1 have ever made in terms of their digital transformation. The platform has been produced by NBC Playmaker, iStreamPlanet, CSG, Ostmodern and Tata.

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F1 TV is set to feature two different service levels, with one being more expensive than the other. The more expensive of the two is F1 TV Pro, which is set to include live races, all 20 driver cameras and more, while the less expensive of the two is set to be F1 TV Access, which is set to include living race timing data, radio broadcasts and more.

F1 TV subscriptions are set to cost roughly $70 to $150 annually or $8 to $12 on a monthly basis depending on the service you purchase. Fore a complete rundown on all the details regarding the launch of F1 TV, read more at Formula1.com.

Here is what Formula 1 Director of Digital and New Business Frank Arthofer had to say about the launch of F1 TV, according to Formula.com.

"“There is tremendous opportunity in the OTT space to provide F1’s avid fans with a unique F1 viewing experience across all devices. With this launch, fans will find an easy to use streaming experience, rich with live and on-demand content available only on F1 TV, all at a great price.”"

Here is what Formula 1 Director of Digital Technology Pete Samara had to say about the launch of F1 TV, according to Formula.com.

"“We are proud to announce the launch date for F1 TV. We have chosen partners who are at the forefront of this sector: among them, Playmaker Video, iStream Planet and Tata Communications. They, like us, are focused on delivering the best OTT experience to our avid F1 fans, the lifeblood of our sport.”"

Here is what Playmaker Media Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer Eric Black had to say about the launch of F1 TV, according to Formula.com.

"“Playmaker Media is honoured to be part of the impressive team charged with delivering Formula 1’s bold vision for F1 TV. The winners will be F1 fans who will have unprecedented access to the sport through these transformative products.”"

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Are you excited for Formula 1’s launch of F1 TV? Which service level, if any, will you purchase? With the release date being ahead of the 2018 Spanish Grand Prix, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 13th, that means that there is less than a month to wait before the new subscription video platform is officially released.

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