Channel 4 Agrees F1 TV Deal

21 Dec 2015 | tshego

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Channel 4 will replace the BBC as terrestrial broadcaster for Formula One from next season on a three year contract.

The news follows reports that the BBC was going to end its contract with the racing series early in a bid to saves costs.

Channel 4 will show ten races per year, with highlights of all 21 Grand Prix throughout the campaign. Coverage will include practice and qualifying sessions; adverts will not be shown during live race coverage.

During Lewis Hamilton’s World Championship winning season this year, the BBC screened ten live races and his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in June attracting 5.6 million viewers.

BBC Radio 5 live, however, has extended its commentary rights for F1 until the 2021 season.

Bernie Ecclestone, chief executive officer of the Formula One group said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with its contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula One events without commercial intervals during the race.

“I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula One have moved on.”

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said, “Formula One is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”