Sky and Channel 4 extend Formula 1 partnership

UK broadcasters Sky and Channel 4 have extended their long-standing partnership to deliver free-to-air Formula 1 coverage through to 2026.

Channel 4 will broadcast highlights of all Formula 1 qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix races, whilst Sky will continue to show exclusive live coverage of all practice laps, qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix races throughout the next three years.

Across both Sky Sports F1 and Channel 4, last year’s coverage of the British GP reached a combined audience of 7.4m,

The extended deal brings C4 and Sky’s Formula 1 rights sharing partnership to eight years.

According to Sky, 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.

Channel 4’s chief executive Alex Mahon said: “We’re thrilled to have struck another Formula 1 deal with Sky and are delighted to once again bring UK audiences Formula 1 for free. The partnership between Channel 4 and Sky benefits the British public and allows everyone to get into the sport, brings in new fans and ensures Formula 1 gets much wider reach and prominence with British audiences. Just like British fans I love that unique Formula 1 combination of engineering technology, personal humanity, glittering glamour and unbelievable race tension.”

Stephen van Rooyen, CEO Sky UK & Ireland said: “Together with Channel 4 we’ve 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.”