Sad News for Fans as Popular Broadcaster to Stop Telecasting F1 Races in Max Verstappen’s Home Country

In a spot of sad news for Dutch fans, prominent channel Ziggo Sport will not broadcast F1 in 2022. This will come as a big blow for many Dutch subscribers. However, the Netherlands will still get some Formula One coverage; the fans will have to switch to Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent).

Ziggo Sport posted on Twitter, ‘From 2022, Formula One will unfortunately move to another channel. We have proudly broadcasted Formula One for nine years. In those years, the rates for broadcasting rights have grown so much that it was unfortunately not possible for us to keep Formula One.’

For now, the broadcaster will have to see out its contract until the conclusion of the 2021 season. Apparently, the asking price to host the race was too high for Ziggo Sport’s liking. So, they were forced to end their contract, preventing them from covering future seasons.

Who will broadcast F1 in the Netherlands instead?

Reports suggest that Nordic Entertainment is paying between €25 million and €30 million annually for the rights to broadcast the sport. Truthfully speaking, F1’s value has only skyrocketed ever since the rise of Dutch star Max Verstappen. Admittedly, the service has not yet launched in the Netherlands.

However, the broadcasting network has been expanding its base. They managed to achieve this with the launch of the Viaplay service in the Baltic region and Poland. Without a doubt, earning the Formula One broadcasting rights would be a big boon to them. This is especially significant in the Dutch market, since the country is trying to host its first Grand Prix in a long time.

So far, Nent has the rights to broadcast Formula One in several European countries, and Netherlands could be the latest. Recently, the company renewed its deal to broadcast in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark. Additionally, Finland and Poland will also join the roster alongside the Netherlands.

For now, the F1 paddock is in Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix weekend. Ziggo Sport will definitely try to make the most out of the remainder of it F1 contract. Sadly, they will not get a chance to broadcast a Dutch Grand Prix, as there is a cloud of doubt hanging over it.

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