Sky buys Formula 1 rights

Sky is to become the exclusive home to all Formula 1 in the UK and Ireland from 2019 to 2024.

It marks the first time Formula 1 has chosen to broadcast the majority of its races via a pay-TV service; however, Sky will show all races and qualifying sessions on a ‘free-to-air’ basis on services including YouView.

Additionally, at least two other ‘prime-time’ live races a season will be offered on the soon-to-be-launched Sky Sports Mix – available to all Sky subscribers, regardless of whether they already take any Sky Sports channels.

Sky already broadcasts all 21 live Grands Prix; however, Channel 4 won the F1 rights from the BBC at the end of last year to show 10 live races between 2016 and 2018, alongside highlights of all Grands Prix and qualifying sessions, in a deal thought to be worth around £35 million.

“This is a brilliant deal that takes Sky’s partnership with F1 to the next level,” said Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports.

“Since 2012, we have demonstrated unrivalled commitment to F1, offering fans innovations including a dedicated channel and the very best broadcasting talent. We are delighted that we are strengthening our coverage for viewers even further.”

Currently the only way to watch all of Sky’s sporting output is through a Sky Sports TV subscription package, costing £25.50 extra per month. However, the launch of Sky Sports Mix this summer, which forms part of the broadcaster’s basic subscription packages, is set to broadcast some of the biggest sporting events in the world.