In the contract for television image suppliers signed by Canal+, French law requires the F1 to ask Canal+ to broadcast three races free-to-air during the Formula 1 championships. This agreement has been in place since F1 started being broadcast on a paid channel.
If in previous seasons the French Grand Prix was among the Grand Prix races broadcast live, this season, without the French Grand Prix, others will have to be chosen instead.
Thus, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was chosen by Canal+ as the first event broadcast in free-to-air.
“The first live event this season will be at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix,” commented Thomas Senecal. “The other two live Grand Prix races have not been announced yet.”
