Fuji TV secures exclusive Formula 1 rights in Japan from 2026

The renewal extends one of the Formula 1 world championship’s longest partnerships and takes the channel into its fifth decade of F1 coverage. Under the new arrangement, Fuji TV will broadcast every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix across Fuji TV Next Live Premium, Fuji TV Nextsmart and, for the first time, the network’s FOD OTT platform.

At least five race highlights packages will also appear on terrestrial television in 2026. F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium will launch in Japan, offering access to onboard cameras, team radio, data and exclusive behind the scenes content.

Fuji TV will expand its editorial offering with a deeper programme slate, including F1 GPNews, an extended off-season review and curated historical content showcasing landmark moments from past Grands Prix.

The renewal comes as F1 continues to grow in Japan, where the fanbase has risen to 16.8 million, up 20 percent since 2022. The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix recorded 266000 weekend spectators and a 26 percent increase in domestic TV viewership.

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.

"Formula 1 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," Holmes added.

Fuji TV President and CEO Kenji Shimizu added: “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 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," concluded Shimizu.

Fuji TV’s renewed commitment positions the network as the central broadcast hub for F1 fans in Japan ahead of the 2026 regulation reset.