Formula 1 (F1) have confirmed a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the Walt Disney Company in a deal that will see the championship broadcast across the US on Disney’s ESPN Networks until the 2025 season.

Having first returned to networks ahead of the 2018 season, the new deal will see an increase in coverage with at least 16 races to be carried commercial-free on ABC and ESPN each season, more than any of the previous five years.

It was reported by the Sports Business Journal in July that ESPN had won the broadcast rights with a deal worth between US$75 million and US$90 million (AUD$118 million –  AUD$142 million).

ESPN beat Comcast, Netflix and Amazon to the deal, with the latter offering a reported US$100 million (AUD$158 million),

Additionally, ESPN will be given more flexibility in creating ways for Formula 1 fans to engage with the championship, as the new partnership expands their direct-to-consumer rights.

Popularity in F1 has been growing in the US in recent years, with the 2021 season being the most-viewed year of F1 in the US ever, a fact that will see the nation host three races in 2024 in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas.

Commenting on the new deal, F1 president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, said: “We are delighted to announce that our partnership with ESPN will continue.”

“Formula 1 has seen incredible growth in the United States with sold out events and record television audiences, and the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar next season, alongside Austin and Miami, will see us host three spectacular races there.

“The ESPN networks have played a huge part in that growth with their dedicated quality coverage.

“We are excited to expand our relationship and continue to bring the passion and excitement of Formula 1 to our viewers in the US together,” he said.

ESPN president, programming and original content, Burke Magnus, added: “Formula 1 and ESPN have been a strong and successful team and we’re delighted to extend our relationship.”

“We look forward to serving fans in some new and innovative ways in the next three years as we continue to bring the reach and relevance of the Walt Disney Company networks and platforms to Formula 1,” he said.

This announcement follows the recent renewal of F1’s UK broadcast partnership with Sky Sports to cover the UK, Ireland, Germany and Italy.