The new broadcast deal between Formula 1 and Sky Sports will last until 2029 in the UK and Ireland, with other key markets also extended. Subscription-based service Sky took over UK F1 rights from the BBC in 2012 and shared converge with it until the end of '15, before Channel 4 stepped in between '16 and '18, offering a handful of races live. In 2019, the last deal between Sky and F1 allowed the broadcaster exclusive UK rights, although the British Grand Prix remains free-to-air as was the 2021 title-deciding season-finale in Abu Dhabi - for which a BAFTA was won. The new deal also covers Sky's operations in Italy and Germany, with new deal running until 2027.
Domenicali reacts
The current offer of support series such as Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup will be maintained as Sky UK follows the trend of F1 in having a surge in viewing figures. They are up to 1.7 million in 2022, a rise of 60% since that 2019 exclusive deal, with 1.7 million of 4.3 million new fans being women. In Italy and Germany, figures are up 20% an 24%, respectively this season. “We are incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with Sky, and we are delighted to announce that we will continue working together until 2029, a very important commitment from Sky," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "Since the beginning of our relationship in 2012 we have both strived to bring the excitement, emotion, and drama of Formula 1 to our traditional fans while engaging new and more diverse audiences. "Formula 1 has seen huge growth in recent years, and I can’t think of a better partner to continue to reach our fans with dedicated, expert and in-depth coverage. Sky not only brings fans live coverage but a range of behind-the-scenes access and content that brings F1 to life. "We are hugely excited about the future of the partnership and the journey of Formula 1." F1 director of media rights, Ian Holmes added Sky: "reflects our long-term partnership and shared ambition to grow Formula 1 to new audiences and markets. "In recent years we have returned to historic venues such as Zandvoort, and brought in new and exciting races such as Miami and of course Las Vegas next year. I am delighted that Sky will continue to be with us through this exciting era of our sport."
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