Formula 1 Renews C15 Studio Partnership to Fuel US Streaming Growth

Formula 1 has announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with C15 Studio to operate the ‘Formula 1 Channel’ across the United States.

The agreement marks a significant expansion of the sport’s digital footprint, confirming that the 2026 F1 ACADEMY™ season will be broadcast live on the platform for the first time.

The ‘Formula 1 Channel’ operates as a Free-Ad Supported Streaming Television (FAST) entity, providing a 24/7 entry point for the sport’s rapidly expanding American fan base. Currently reaching over one million viewers per month, the channel complements the primary live race coverage hosted by the sport’s new US rights holder, Apple TV.

Commenting on the partnership, chief media rights and broadcasting officer of Formula 1, Ian Holmes, said: “The Formula 1 Channel has been a great tool for F1 to engage with our rapidly growing US fan base.”

“This renewed partnership and the addition of live sessions for the 2026 F1 ACADEMY series… perfectly supports our world-class live broadcast offering with new rights holder Apple TV,” he said.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership, CEO & co-founder of C15 Studio, Joe Nilsson, added: “Since launching the F1 Channel in 2024, the growth we’ve seen has been exceptional,”

“F1 ACADEMY is shaping the future of the sport, and we’re proud to share that journey live with audiences on the F1 Channel,” Nilson noted.

Live Racing Debuts on FAST Platform

The inclusion of the all-female F1 ACADEMY series represents a strategic shift toward live content for the FAST channel. Starting in Shanghai on 13 March, the platform will air every practice, qualifying session, and race across the seven-round season, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austin, and Las Vegas.

Commercial Significance in the US Market

For C15 Studio, the renewal is an endorsement of the FAST model’s ability to capture diverse viewing habits.

The channel serves as a “shoulder programming” hub, offering classic Grands Prix, documentaries, and detailed highlights that keep fans engaged between live race weekends.

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