Sky and Channel 4 have extended their long-standing partnership ensuring motorsport fans across the UK will continue to enjoy free-to-air Formula 1 coverage through to 2026. Highlights of all Formula 1 qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix races will be available on Channel 4, whilst Sky will continue to show exclusive live coverage of all practice laps, qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix races throughout the next three years.
Thanks to the deal, racing fans across the UK will be able to watch live action from the British Grand Prix as well as all practice and qualifying laps in the build-up to the British GP race day. Across both Sky Sports F1 and Channel 4, last year’s coverage of the British GP reached a combined audience of 7.4 million.
In addition, last year was the most watched Formula 1 season ever on Sky Sports with total viewing up 47% since its exclusive deal with Formula 1 in 2019. Sky Sports F1 continues to attract younger audiences than before with 28% of viewing from under 35s, up from 20% the previous year.
This latest extension brings this Formula 1 rights sharing partnership to eight years between two of Britain’s biggest broadcasters, and ensures one of the most popular days in the British sporting calendar is made available for everyone to enjoy.
“We are thrilled to have struck another Formula 1 deal with Sky and are delighted to once again bring UK audiences Formula One for free. The partnership between Channel 4 and Sky benefits the British public and allows everyone to get into the sport and brings in new fans and ensures Formula 1 gets much wider reach and prominence with British audiences,” said Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4.
Stephen van Rooyen, CEO of Sky UK & Ireland, added: “Together with Channel 4 we have shared some of the most iconic moments in sporting history, and our relationship is as strong as ever. The length and nature of this deal shows Sky’s deep commitment to help increase the reach of Formula 1 and continue to support one of the most exhilarating, and fastest growing sports in the world.”