This weekend's title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be shown live on free-to-air television in the UK, after Sky Sports struck a deal with Channel 4. As part of the current rights deal for the region, Sky Sports broadcast all F1 sessions live on their subscription channel, Sky Sports F1, with the free-to-air Channel 4 putting out qualifying and race highlights packages. Previously, Channel 4 (having taken over from the BBC) were able to show half of the races live, but the latest deal, signed in 2019, only includes the British Grand Prix. Given the intensity of this year's title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, which leaves the pair level on points ahead of the finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, Sky Sports and Channel 4 have agreed an additional FTA showing.
Sky's "Christmas present" to the nation
Announcing the news, Stephen van Rooyen, CEO for UK & Europe at Sky, said: "Sunday's Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport. "We've chosen to gift the race to the whole country at Christmas through our partnership with Channel 4, so everyone can be part of a huge national moment as Lewis Hamilton goes for a historic eighth World Championship title. "The brilliant Sky Sports Formula 1 team will give viewers on Channel 4 and Sky Sports the best insight, commentary and analysis of every twist and turn of this most eagerly anticipated final race of the season. "Additionally, all Sky TV customers will have live coverage of the important qualifying session on Saturday, and the race on Sunday - which we will also show live on Sky Showcase."
F1 boss hails "generous gesture"
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali added: "We are excited that Sky will make the Grand Prix on Sunday available to Channel 4 viewers so everyone can tune in live for the thrilling finale to this epic season. "Sky's passion for Formula 1 is incredible and this generous gesture shows their love of the sport and the millions of fans in the UK. "We are all looking forward to Sunday and hope all the fans will be glued to their screens."
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