Viewing in the fast lane

Formula One cars snake around a racetrack track so blindingly fast that viewers need focal points—we need to know where to look, and to know what we're looking for.

- RAJA SEN

Formula One cars snake around a racetrack track so blindingly fast that viewers need focal points—we need to know where to look, and to know what we're looking for. F1 isn't just a sport; it's a high-octane obsession with perfection, where every bolt, every gear, every millisecond is tuned to scream excellence. FITV's new customizable Multiview feature is the latest proof, dropping fans right into the driver's seat—or, to be precise, several driver's seats. Last weekend's Australian Grand Prix was the test run, and boy, did it deliver: I experienced a true 4K stream so crisp, I could see the raindrops across Lando Norris's front wing, and the stress in his mother's eyes when the McLaren driver went off the track.

What's the price for this front-row thrill? The standard FITV pro cost is ₹2,499/year, while the FITV Premium package comes to ₹3,650/year. This is a significant hike from the Fancode option that exists for budget viewers—you can subscribe through Amazon Prime Video to watch each race for ₹25—but the most glamorous sport in the world has never been one for budgets.

I've always been wary of "premium" services offered up by broadcasters, but this time it really is something special.