Viaplay & Max Verstappen Launch First Original Doc

Viaplay, which inked a multiyear partnership with Formula 1’s Max Verstappen earlier this year, has premiered the original documentary Verstappen—Lion Unleashed.

In Verstappen—Lion Unleashed, the Dutch driver joins his father, Jos, his manager and other close associates to talk exclusively to Viaplay about winning his first Formula 1 championship in 2021. It also provides a look forward to the upcoming 2022 season.

Viaplay has also launched F1 Talks—Mika, David, Tom, a documentary that features two-time World Drivers’ Champion Mika Häkkinen, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans champion Tom Kristensen as they discuss the past, present and future of Formula 1 in a conversation moderated by Viaplay’s Amber Brantsen.

Viaplay is now Formula 1’s home in the Netherlands and Finland, expanding its coverage of the sport to nine countries, with Poland to come in 2023.

Verstappen said: “I am really excited about the partnership with Viaplay, as our ambitions to be the best in our fields match each other. Viaplay might be new to Dutch viewers but is a proven international online video streaming service. It is great that we, together, are already creating unique content for all the fans.”

Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group’s chief sports officer, said: “Ever since Max Verstappen captured his first title in December, the world has been waiting for an in-depth interview with one of the biggest rising stars in sports. Innovative documentaries are a great way to showcase the drama, skills and emotions of elite sports for new and established fans. Audiences can expect many more on Viaplay as an ideal complement to our world-class rights portfolio.”