NASCAR Fans Get “Super Jealous” as F1 Announces ‘No Commercial’ Deal

We are all aware of Formula 1’s skyrocketing popularity across the globe. This growing popularity has added a massive fanbase for the sport across the globe but also, especially in America. The American public is spoiled with choices in terms of localized sports, be it IndyCar, NASCAR, or American football. However, F1 is slowly chipping into these fan bases and making fans switch. If that wasn’t enough, the interruption-free telecast of Formula 1 races in America is making NASCAR fans extremely jealous.

When we say interruption-free, we mean commercial-free race telecasts, which is what every fan wants. ESPN is making that happen as the sole broadcaster of Formula 1 in America. The Disney-owned company is delivering this incredible viewing experience since 2018. It has subjected the audiences to uninterrupted action of their favorite stars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso. And with their home-grown talent, Logan Sargeant, in the mix for the 2023 season, they can witness their homeboy’s flair without missing a beat of the action.

However, Formula 1’s rising popularity has not come without a cost. To renew the viewing rights from 2023 to 2025, F1 demanded a whopping $90 million. After the initial doubt, ESPN agreed to the price tag, a jump from $5 million to renew the deal.

Most fans assumed ESPN will abandon their commercial-free practice to compensate for the high fee. However, ESPN is sticking to its guns and providing the same streaming experience it provided its fans from day one. ESPN is just charging its sponsors more money and has opened up new products in its inventory for investment.

Read More: Collaborating with $270 Million F1 rights holder, Mercedes Benz Has a Good News for its American Fans

This revelation from ESPN is making NASCAR fans jealous. The envious fans are expressing just that on Twitter.

NASCAR fans share their envy towards F1 fans for ESPN’s continued commercial-free broadcasting

With the extremely high media rights price tag, broadcasting companies depend on sponsors and advertisements to recoup their investment. ESPN is spoiling the F1 fans with no full-screen adverts mid-race. However, not everyone is as lucky as F1 fans in America, especially not NASCAR fans. The fans of the American stock car racing competition have to suffer through full-screen ads.

This is exactly why ESPN’s announcement of continued commercial-free streaming is making the fans extremely jealous.

The fans are sharing their feeling of jealousy by replying to the ESPN and Mercedes Benz collaboration tweet.

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Some fans claim NASCAR would never do this as well. This could be all down to simple company policies and ways of generating revenue. Maybe ESPN can give the NASCAR broadcasters a tip or two. Until then, F1 fans can sit on their high horse and watch commercial-free racing.