Fuji TV locks down F1 - exclusive Japan broadcast deal sends shockwaves through the paddock
Formula One (F1) and Fuji TV, Japanese broadcaster, part of the Fuji Media Holdings group. Have announced a new long term exclusive broadcasting deal to show F1 in Japan beginning with the 2026 F1 season coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations plus power unit rules. The partnership with Fuji TV broadcasting across its national television network and digital platforms covering live broadcasts, highlights as well as digital content ensuring Japanese fans have full access to F1 coverage.
Expanding F1’s reach in Japan, a country with a strong motorsport heritage and loyal fanbase. Fuji TV has a long history with F1 having first broadcast races in the 1980s and 1990s, including the iconic Suzuka Grand Prixs.
Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer at Formula One said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Fuji TV. They have been with us since Formula One first started racing in Japan and we thank them and are humbled by their commitment over those years.”
The partnership reflects F1’s strategy to strengthen global media rights and ensure consistent coverage in key markets. For Fuji TV, it reinforces its position as the home of motorsport in Japan leveraging F1’s popularity to attract audiences.
Under the agreement, Fuji TV will enter its fifth decade of its broadcast partnership with F1, where it will once again be the home of every F1 practice and qualifying session, sprint plus Grand Prix across its broadcast along with digital channels.
Kenju Shimizu, President & CEO of Fuji Television Network Inc. said: “Since commencing our F1 broadcasts in 1987, we have brought audiences countless moments of excitement and emotion – from the legendary on track battles between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to the high octane wheel to wheel racing of today.”
This new chapter will see a further expansion and elevation of Fuji TV’s coverage with a comprehensive offering of must watch content for fans, including an extensive line up of programmes such as “F1 GP News” which delivers an in depth review of each Grand Prix, a five hour “Formula One Season Review” during the off season and a variety of memorable archival footage showcasing some of the most iconic moments from previous Grand Prixs.
In addition, race highlights of up to five rounds in 2026 will be available to watch on terrestrial TV and F1 TV pro as well as F1 TV Premium will make its debut in Japan giving fans a variety of ways to experience the drama plus excitement of F1 across multiple platforms.
Holmes added: “F1 is experiencing huge growth globally, reaching new and more diverse audiences and we are pleased to share that growth them as our long term partner.”
As part of the partnership, F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium will now be available in Japan. The award winning platform will complement Fuji TV’s coverage allowing fans to become immersed in the F1 weekend through a host of features including access to driver on board cameras, team radio and in depth data alongside exclusive behind the scenes content.
The five year renewal demonstrates Fuji TV’s commitment to F1 and growing the sport’s presence in the country as there are currently 16.8 million fans in Japan, up 20% from 2022.
Shimizu added: “As we strive to become a true content company, we have established an ‘F1 Promotion Committee,’ a cross organisational initiative that brings together the entire company to further strengthen and expand our F1 offerings.”
Highlighting the passion for F1, the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix marked the largest post-COVID attendance with 266,000 weekend attendees and a 26& increase in domestic TV audiences.
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