This repository documents a widespread issue with the F1TV platform's subtitle system across various devices and browsers. The problem affects all users and violates accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG and ADA laws in the United States.
The F1TV platform claims to provide English subtitles for all its content and states that it follows WCAG guidelines. However, the subtitles are either missing, incomplete, or non-functional across different platforms.
Furthermore, the F1TV "Disability" page (https://formula1.my.site.com/s/article/2023How-does-F1-TV-support-fans-with-disabilities?language=en_US) states that there is a phone icon for contacting support when there is a problem, but no such icon is present on the page.
This document provides five examples to highlight the problem with the subtitle system in the F1TV content library across various platforms.
For each example, up to three (3) screenshots are provided:
- Safari browser
- Firefox browser
- F1TV app on iPadOS
Although the subtitles option is available, clicking on it only displays "unknown" for the language. Even after selecting the language, no subtitles appear.
When viewing the same content on Firefox, there is no subtitle option available. Clicking the gear icon only presents the resolution option.
In the F1TV app on iPad, the subtitles option appears as "CC" (Closed Captions), but no subtitles are displayed on the screen.
- Show: Greatest Comebacks
- Episode: 1 (Mika Häkkinen)
- Show: Tech Talk Retro
- Episode: 2 (Ferrari 640)
- Show: Racing ID
- Episode: 2 (Cornering)
- Show: Jolyon Palmer's Analysis
- Episode: Bahrain Grand Prix
- Show: Beyond All Limits
- Episode: S2: Episode 2
A video demonstration of the issue on the Safari browser can be found at: https://youtu.be/YY1J4VCkWWY
The purpose of this documentation is to highlight the glaring accessibility issues with the F1TV subtitle system and to seek a resolution from the F1TV team to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines and laws.