In recent weeks it has become clear that Viaplay is opting for a different direction than the current rights holder Ziggo Sport has done in recent years. For example, it became clear that commentator Olav Mol and his pit reporter Jack Plooij are not making the switch, F1 analyst Robert Doornbos is also left empty-handed.
On the other hand, little by little new names came out who will take care of the reporting of Formula 1 at Viaplay. Amber Brantsen is responsible for the presentation of the F1 broadcasts, the commentary is provided by the experienced Nelson Valkenburg and co-commentator Melroy Heemskerk. Christian Albers, Giedo van der Garde and Tom Coronel are the regular analysts at Viaplay. They will join Brantsen in varying composition. From the track, Stephane Kox gets to work as a reporter on the spot. She will provide the news from the track, as well as interviews with drivers and team bosses. In addition, international experts on location are used: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and Tom Kristensen.
The first Formula 1 broadcast on Viaplay will take place on Friday, March 10, 2022, the start of the second F1 winter test. The three-day session in Bahrain is extensively reported with extensive afterthoughts in the evening. The season kicks off a week later. Fans can count on about twelve hours of live coverage per weekend.
“We want to give the viewer the entire Formula 1 story, with a critical eye where necessary,” said Marco Zwaneveld, Head of Sports Viaplay Netherlands. “Thanks to the collaboration between the teams from different Viaplay countries, we are with more people in more places. This allows us to tell the stories even better. From the battle, strategy and technique to the money, physical performance and of course everything about Max Verstappen. We are on top of it.”
In addition to the broadcasts on Viaplay, the Dutch Grand Prix is simultaneously broadcast by the NOS. The NOS has also acquired the summary rights for the other races.
Formula 1 team Viaplay in the Netherlands
Amber Brantsen | Presenter |
Nelson Valkenburg | Commentator |
Melroy Heemskerk | Co-commentator |
Tom coronel | Studio analyst |
Giedo van der Garde | Studio analyst |
Christian Albers | Studio analyst |
Stephane Kox | Reporter in the paddock |
Mika Hakkinen | International expert |
David Coulthard | International expert |
Tom Kristensen | International expert |
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