Formula E: DF1 & ServusTV confirmed as new free TV partners for Germany & Austria

After the short-term cancellation of the Formula E broadcast on ProSieben, the electric racing series has found a new free TV partner in Germany for its upcoming tenth championship season. The new television channel DF1, which went on air on January 1, 2024, has secured the Formula E broadcasting rights from season 10 in cooperation with Austria's highest-reach private broadcaster ServusTV. Formula E is talking about a "multi-year" contract.

This was initially confirmed by Formula E on its official website shortly after the start of the year. On Wednesday morning, the official announcement was finally made by the broadcaster: "DF1 is delighted to share the enthusiasm for Formula E with a wide audience. In addition to the linear broadcast on free-to-air TV on DF1, all races will also be available as live streams on www.df1.de. This will allow viewers to follow the racing action on all popular mobile devices in Germany."

In addition to the races, all qualifying sessions of the electric series will also be shown live on free-to-air TV on DF1. "Further information on the DF1 program will be announced in the coming days and weeks," says the broadcaster.

According to our information, Servus TV F1 commentator Andreas Gröbl could possibly commentate on the Formula E race broadcasts. DF1 could have secured the services of former driver Daniel Abt, who has already taken on this role at Sat.1 and ProSieben in recent years. However, this has yet to be confirmed.

"We want to further promote the passion for motorsport in Germany"

"We are thrilled to take over the free TV rights for Formula E from the 2024 season and would like to thank our partners for their trust in our young broadcaster," says David Müller, Managing Director of DF1."With this collaboration, we want to further promote the passion for motorsport in Germany and offer fans unforgettable moments. We are looking forward to the start of the season on January 13."

"This exciting new partnership with Red Bull Media House, ServusTV and DF1 marks a significant milestone for Formula E in Germany and Austria - two countries with a deep-rooted passion for motorsport," said Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer of Formula E. "As we prepare for our most dynamic season yet - including a double race in Berlin - fans in these key markets will have access to more live race coverage on free-to-air TV than ever before."

David Morgenbesser, CCO and Head of Commercial at Red Bull Media House, explains: "As the main rights holder of the world's fastest all-electric racing series in Austria and Germany, we are looking forward to working in partnership with the new broadcaster DF1. Together, we will offer Formula E to the widest possible audience live and exclusively on free-to-air TV and thus deliver pure motorsport free of charge."

DF1 known from the last millennium

Just before Christmas, we reported on the rumour that DF1 could possibly become the new TV home for Formula E in Germany. A spokesperson for the broadcaster was unable to comment on the enquiry from e-Formula.news at the time. Now, it's official.

The DF1 channel, which was the first digital TV channel to operate under this name back in 1996 until it merged with Premiere (now Sky Deutschland) in 1999, took over the previous broadcasting slot of Servus TV Deutschland. In addition, parts of Servus TV's programme will also be taken over, including the live rights for the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).

The first race of the new season, the Mexico City E-Prix, will take place in just under two weeks on 13 January. In addition to DF1, the paid channel Eurosport 2 will also broadcast the Formula E races of the 2023/24 season.

additional reporting by Timo Pape