Formula 1 Renews Partnership With Tencent to Broadcast F1 in Mainland China
- wgclients01
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Formula 1 and Chinese multimedia company Tencent have today announced a multi-year renewal which will see the broadcaster continue as the exclusive digital media broadcasting platform for F1 in mainland China.
As part of the renewed agreement, which runs until the end of 2027, Tencent will leverage its diverse digital media and social platforms – including Tencent Video, Tencent Sports, WeChat, Tencent News, qq.com, and QQ – to offer fans comprehensive coverage of every F1 Grand Prix, Qualifying, Practice, and F1 Sprint session throughout the season, along with highlights from the all-female series, F1 ACADEMY.
Shanghai will host the opening round of F1 ACADEMY this year, with Shi Wei set to make history as she becomes the first Chinese driver to take to the grid in the series when it begins on Friday, March 21.
Fans will also enjoy a more immersive viewing experience with high-definition visuals, onboard cameras, and in-depth analysis from expert commentators. Additionally, Tencent’s state-of-the-art XR studio will place fans at the heart of the action, capturing every moment of the drama and excitement of a Formula 1 Grand Prix from multiple perspectives.
For the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025, Tencent Sports will broadcast a suite of programming exploring racing technology, team strategies, and the stories behind the drivers.
Formula 1 made its return to the Shanghai International Circuit in 2024 following a five-year absence, attracting a sold-out crowd of over 200,000 passionate supporters and more than 14.8 million viewers tuning into the race across China – an increase of 50% from the last edition in 2019. With a rapidly growing fanbase of over 150 million, Formula 1 was pleased to extend its contract to race in China through 2030. Tencent will play a key role in deepening fandom in the country by creating dynamic programming and coverage to further boost racing culture across China.
Michaella Snoeck, Head of Media Rights at Formula 1, said:
“Since the return of Formula 1 to China last year, it’s been great to see millions of fans across China tune in every weekend to watch the drama and excitement of Formula 1. The incredible viewership shows a real passion for the sport, and by bringing F1 ACADEMY to China for the first time this season, we hope to continue to build on the growing female audience in the country. In Tencent, we have a dedicated partner who is committed to producing world-class broadcast across its digital platforms that further ignites fans love of motorsport throughout the country.”
Jeff Han, Vice President of Tencent Online Video, said:
“The popularity of F1 events in China is on the rise, particularly among younger audiences. Our collaboration with F1 is poised to ignite a new wave of motorsport enthusiasm. We aim to enhance the broadcasting of F1 events and develop high-quality content, enabling more users to experience the passion and unique allure of motorsport in a comprehensive and intuitive manner, thereby further promoting the growth and dissemination of racing culture in China.”