Fuji Television secures the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for Formula 1® in Japan for the next five years
Fuji Television Network, Inc. (Fuji TV) has entered into an exclusive rights agreement for the FORMULA 1 World Championship™ in Japan. Under this agreement, Fuji TV will hold exclusive rights to all broadcasting and distribution of F1 within Japan. This is a long-term agreement spanning five years, from 2026 to 2030, during which Fuji TV will deliver an entirely new F1 viewing experience by integrating both broadcast and digital distribution.
Fuji TV commenced its F1 broadcasts in 1987—the year the Japanese Grand Prix was first held at Suzuka Circuit—and has since remained dedicated to conveying the excitement and appeal of motorsport to audiences for decades. The year 2026, which marks the beginning of our five-year exclusive broadcasting and distribution rights in Japan, will also represent a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of Fuji TV’s F1 coverage. In addition, F1 will return to our terrestrial channel for the first time in 11 years. Also, our CS broadcasts, which commenced in 1998, will enter their 29th year, and for the first time, live coverage will also be made available on “FOD,” Fuji TV’s OTT platform. Furthermore, FOD will become the first platform in Japan to launch an integration with F1™ TV.
The 2026 season—set to open in Australia in March and featuring the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix as Round 3—will include highlights programming on our terrestrial channel from up to five selected rounds.
Comprehensive live coverage of every session across all 24 rounds—including Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint Qualifying, Sprint and Race—will be available on Fuji TV NEXT Live Premium (CS channel), Fuji TV NEXTsmart (online channel), and FOD.
Even on race-free weekends, F1 action continues.
Fuji TV will offer an extensive lineup of programming, including “F1™ GP News,” which delivers an in-depth review of each Grand Prix. During the off-season, the schedule will also feature the five-hour “FORMULA 1® Season Review,” along with programmes that revisit valuable archival footage and iconic moments from past races. A comprehensive slate of must-see content for fans will be available across our platforms.
F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium will also launch in Japan through an innovative partnership with FOD giving fans new ways to experience everything F1 has to offer.
Fuelled by the legacy we have forged together with F1, the pinnacle of global motorsport, Fuji TV will embark on a new chapter in 2026. Through both broadcast and OTT, we will deliver the speed, emotion and exhilaration of F1 more vividly than ever before.
Details, including the scheduled terrestrial broadcast schedule -covering up to five rounds from the 24-round season – as well as the new F1 TV service on FOD through which viewers will be able to enjoy F1 content, will be announced at a later date.
Statements from representatives
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.
“It is a distinct honour for Fuji TV—an organisation that has long stood alongside the evolution of F1™ in Japan—to once again assume a role in further advancing that history.
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.”
About FOD
FOD is Fuji TV’s official OTT service platform. The “FOD Premium Standard Plan” provides unlimited access to more than 100,000 titles, including dramas and films, as well as over 200 magazines. Subscribers can also enjoy a library of more than 700,000 e-books. In addition, every Friday, subscribers can take advantage of the “FOD Friday” benefit, which offers TOHO Cinemas movie tickets at a special discounted price (JPY1200). Further details on the FOD services that will provide access to F1™ content will be announced in due course.
URL: https://fod.fujitv.co.jp/
About Fuji TV NEXT Live Premium
Fuji TV NEXT Live Premium broadcasts all the Formula 1 sessions live and in full, as well as a wide range of live sports including Italy’s Volleyball Serie A, SV.LEAGUE (Japan’s national volleyball league) and basketball. The channel also offers music programmes from major music festivals, live concerts by international and domestic artists.
URL: https://otn.fujitv.co.jp/
About Formula 1®
Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLVYK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.