Sky Sports have revealed record-breaking viewing figures for the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton to win the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship. The race was broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Showcase, with Channel 4 given the rights to show Sky's coverage on their free-to-air channel. Viewing figures peaked at 7.4 million on the last lap of the Grand Prix as Verstappen and Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel in dramatic fashion, following the controversial Safety Car. "Sky has broken its own F1 audience record for a third time this season," said Sky CEO Stephen van Rooyen. "Sunday's spectacle will keep our customers talking about Abu Dhabi until next season rolls around. Sky's audience peaked at 3m for the first time and thanks to our partnership with Channel 4 that added up to the 4.4m viewers across the country." "It was our gift just in time for Christmas and the drama was gripping, with Sky taking on 18% share of the TV audience combined with our free-to-air partner bringing that up to 44% in total. An astonishing day." The 44% number means 44% of people who were watching TV on Sunday afternoon were tuned into the F1 coverage. Sky Sports will continue to show every F1 session live in the UK and Ireland until at least 2024.
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