Planet Sport Group has announced the acquisition of YouTube channel The F1 Word, marking a new chapter for PlanetF1.com and for Formula 1 fans worldwide.
The F1 Word is a well-established channel with over 128,000 subscribers and 36 million video views. Founded by lifelong Formula 1 fan Sean Cullingford in 2017, the publisher says the channel is an engaging, and trusted voice in the F1 fan community, providing insightful commentary, expert analysis and passion-fuelled content.
The partnership will ensure that every moment on and off the track from all 24 races is as engaging, entertaining and more accessible than ever before – welcoming more fans to the sport and delivering more dynamic content that will shape the future of F1, added the publisher.
Sean Cullingford, who now joins PlanetF1.com as head of YouTube as part of the acquisition, said: "I’m extremely excited to join PlanetF1, and to have the support, resources, and access that Planet Sport Group offers. I’m confident that we can take The F1 Word to the next level. I've always believed that video content is crucial to fostering and growing a community of sports enthusiasts, and this new partnership will help bring that vision to life.”
Mark Scott, editor of PlanetF1.com, shared his enthusiasm about the new partnership: “Just like the F1 teams we cover, we are always striving to innovate, improve, and unlock new potential in our coverage of the sport. Acquiring this highly popular channel, along with Sean's extensive knowledge and expertise, marks a significant milestone in expanding our video production capabilities.
“As an FIA-accredited publication, integrating a well-established video platform into PlanetF1.com will enable us to deepen our connection with the passionate F1 fanbase. We’re committed to bringing fans closer to the action through our on-the-ground reporting and a diverse range of in-depth analysis.
“The surge in social media engagement and the rise of user-generated content are reshaping how F1 is consumed and covered. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this evolution, offering fans richer, more dynamic content that reflects the future of the sport.”
As with most sports, the publisher says video has become integral to fan interaction in Formula 1, and it is clear to the team at Planet Sport that the Formula 1 fanbase is one of the most engaged in the world of sports. Planet Sport says:
- In 2023, a total of 10.5 billion videos were watched online and on social media platforms
- Official Formula 1 social media accounts have amassed more than 70 million followers
- PlanetF1.com’s monthly userbase grew over 116% between 2022 and 2023
As digital consumption of F1 continues to rise, PlanetF1.com says it is seeking to meet that demand head-on. The F1 Word will support PlanetF1.com’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the sport by combining PlanetF1.com’s expertise with Sean’s vast experience and passion.
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