Sky Sports Wins Exclusive Formula One Rights

24 Mar 2016 | tshego

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Sky has agreed a new broadcast partnership with Formula One, winning exclusive rights to show the race series from 2019.

Currently, Sky broadcasts all 21 grand prix live, but share rights with Channel 4 who show 10 races a year after signing a three-year deal last year. The free-to-air channel picked up the rights after the BBC exited its contract with Formula One due to budget cuts.

Sky Sports entered Formula One in 2012, signing a seven-year agreement to share rights with the BBC, marking the first time the sport had not been exclusive to terrestrial television in Britain.

The British Grand Prix will be show on its newly announced free-to-air channel, Sky Sports Mix, alongside at least two other races.

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO Formula One Group, said: “I am delighted that we will continue to work together. Sky’s commitment to the Sport and standard of coverage is second to none.”

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports said: “This is a brilliant deal that takes Sky’s partnership with F1 to the next level. 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, with live and exclusive F1 from 2019 and the chance to watch in Ultra High Definition for the first time from next season. We are pleased to support F1 and look forward to working with them to progress, develop and enhance coverage of the Championship during the agreement.”

Martin Brundle, commentator and analyst, Sky Sports F1 added: “I joined Sky Sports because I wanted to be part of a dedicated F1 channel with a total and long term commitment to the sport. And we have certainly delivered on that. In a fast changing media landscape, our coverage will get even better for F1 fans.”