Sky Sports takes exclusive Formula 1 rights

Sky has taken exclusive UK and Ireland rights to Forumla 1 racing for five years from 2019 to 2024.

The deal, agreed with Formula One Mangament, sees Sky strengthen its sports rights portfolio, with F1 to leave terrestrial television. Currently Sky shares F1 rights with Channel 4 after the BBC ended its contract to broadcast the racing tournament last year.

Sky’s new agreement will see it offer live coverage of every Grand Prix to Sky Sports customers. However, it has pledged to air the British Grand Prix and two other “prime time” live races for free to all Sky customers, following the launch of its Sky Sports Mix basic tier channel.

“Since 2012, we have demonstrated unrivalled commitment to F1, offering fans innovations including a dedicated channel and the very best broadcasting talent,” said Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports.

“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.”