Formula 1 disappears completely at RTL Deutschland

Formula 1 will no longer be shown on RTL Deutschland from next season. The German broadcaster confirmed to Bild that it has decided to focus on the broadcasting rights of football and NFL, which would leave no room for the motorsport class.

All Grands Prix in Formula 1 were shown on both RTL Deutschland and Sky Sports for many years until 2020, but that changed in recent years. The broadcasting rights ended up entirely in the hands of the pay-TV channel and so Formula 1 fans now had to subscribe to follow all race weekends of the season.

Because of a sub-licence, RTL Deutschland could still broadcast four races, allowing German viewers to watch some GPs for free. However, the broadcaster has now made a different choice. It ensures that the sublicence will probably go to another party.

Multiple parties in the race

Reportedly, ARD, ZDF and a combination of ProSieben and Sat1, among others, are competing for the broadcasting rights of some four GPs. Where this leaves German viewers continuing to benefit from some free races, the era of RTL Deutschland is finally coming to an end.