Formula 1 will launch its OTT product this week ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, "marking the biggest move to date in the racing series' efforts to revamp its digital business," according to Adam Stern of the SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. F1 TV's debut was delayed earlier in the season, as F1's digital group "worked to perfect it." F1 Global Head of Digital & New Business Frank Arthofer "dismissed critics' contention that the product should have been ready for the start of the season in late March," saying that it was "important to have the product fully ready and professional before its launch." F1 TV is launching "only for computers but will soon be available on mobile and TV apps." The product will have two tiers: The premium F1 TV Pro, which will show live races and cost $70 to $150 annually, or $8 to $12 monthly depending on locations; and a non-live tier called F1 TV Access that will cost $20 to $25 annually, or $2 to $3 per month. To start, F1 TV will be available in more than 50 countries and territories. F1 is producing the product with Tata Communications, NBC's Playmaker, iStream Planet, CSG and Ostmodern. Another digital effort that will debut this week is a new show that F1 will air exclusively on Twitter following races. "F1 Live Show" will be hosted by F1 personality and journalist Will Buxton and feature exclusive access to F1 drivers and execs, plus a panel that will feature the likes of '16 F1 champion and now retired racer Nico Rosberg (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, issue 5/7).
