Sky and C4 Sign as Formula 1 Bedfellows Until 2026

by , 10 July 2023

Sky and Channel 4 have extended a partnership that ensures British motorsport fans will continue to enjoy free-to-air Formula 1 coverage until 2026. Sky will broadcast exclusive live coverage of all practice laps, qualifying, sprint, and Grand Prix races for the next three years. Meanwhile, Channel 4 will broadcast highlights of all Formula 1 qualifying, sprint, and Grand Prix races.

The new contract takes the rights-sharing deal to eight years. It means racing fans across the UK can watch future British Grand Prix weekends live on both channels. In 2022, across Sky Sports F1 and Channel 4, the British Grand Prix reached a combined televisual audience of 7.4 million.

A fan holds a British Grand Prix number plate aloft hoping it will be signed by F1 drivers.

The British Grand Prix will be broadcast live on both Channel 4 and Sky until at least 2026. ©GettyImages

2022 was the most watched Formula 1 season ever on Sky Sports. The channel says its viewing figures showed a 47 percent upswing since its exclusive deal with Formula 1 in 2019. And Sky Sports F1 continues to attract audiences younger than before. Twenty-eight percent of its viewers come from the under-35 category.

Alex & Stephen Are Happy, but Will the Public Get Bored?

Announcing the contract extension, 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, and brings in new fans, and ensures Formula 1 gets much wider reach and prominence with British audiences. Just like British audiences, I love that unique Formula One combination of engineering technology, personal humanity, glittering glamour, and unbelievable race tension.”

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky UK & Ireland’s CEO added: “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.”

Unchallenged Max a Turn Off

Despite the broadcasters’ enthusiasm and optimism, doom-mongers are pointing out that 2023 has been catastrophic in terms of making the sport an exciting spectacle. Trainspotters and former Premier League stars alike have expressed their frustration with the monotony of the 2021 and 2022 World Champion, Max Verstappen, racing off into the distance and winning unchallenged most race weekends.

Verstappen’s domination could lead relatively new fans and viewers to turn their back on what is being described as a “coma-inducing spectacle.” Younger fans should be aware that teams and drivers have enjoyed similar spells of supremacy. Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Michael Schumacher are recent examples.

Is there light at the end of this high-speed tunnel? Recent upgrades introduced by the 2023 teams have succeeded in producing changes to the pecking order. McLaren and Williams have shown significant recent improvement.

But, as demonstrated by Sunday’s effortless demolition of the British Grand Prix field, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen remains in a league of his own. Formula 1 betting sites suggest the Dutchman is on course to win 18 races in 2023.

It is not until the start of the 2026 season – when new regulations come into place – that Formula 1’s deck can be predicted to have a radical shuffle. Red Bull intends to design and manufacture its own engines from that year onwards. Max Verstappen is contracted to stay with the team until the end of 2028.

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