Fuji TV to exclusively broadcast F1 in Japan in new long-term deal

Formula 1® and Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Fuji TV) have announced an extension of their historic partnership which will see the broadcaster exclusively broadcast the sport in Japan from the 2026 season through 2030 inclusive.

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 Formula 1 practice and qualifying session, F1 Sprint event and Grand Prix across its broadcast and digital channels, including Fuji TV Next Live Premium (CS channel), Fuji TV Nextsmart (online channel), and for the first time ever, Fuji TV’s OTT platform, FOD. In addition, race highlights of up to five rounds in 2026 will be available to watch on terrestrial TV and F1 TV Pro, and F1 TV Premium will make its debut in Japan, giving fans a variety of ways to experience the drama and excitement of Formula 1 across multiple platforms.

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 1 Season Review’ during the off-season and a variety of memorable archival footage showcasing some of the most iconic moments from previous Grands Prix.

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 Formula 1 and growing the sport’s presence in the country. There are currently 16.8 million fans in Japan, up 20% from 2022, highlighting the passion for Formula 1. The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix marked the largest post-COVID attendance, with 266,000 weekend attendees and a 26% increase in domestic TV audiences.

Ian Holmes, Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer of Formula 1, said:

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Fuji TV. They have been with us since Formula 1 first started racing in Japan and we thank them and are humbled by their commitment over those years. F1 is experiencing huge growth globally, reaching new and more diverse audiences and we are pleased to share that growth with them as our long-term partner. We know Fuji TV will continue to innovate and develop how F1 is showcased across Japan and look forward to seeing even more fans being welcomed to the sport.”

Kenji Shimizu, President & CEO, Fuji Television Network, Inc., said:

“The history shared between Formula 1 and Fuji TV has progressed in tandem with the advancement of Japan’s motorsport culture. 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. We are deeply honoured to enter into an exclusive five-year agreement for the broadcast of F1 and OTT distribution of F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium in Japan, commencing in 2026.

“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. We are committed not only to responding to the passion of long-time F1 fans, but also to bringing every moment of F1 to a new generation of viewers who will experience it for the first time.”