Channel 4 picks up Formula E rights

Channel 4 has agreed a multi-year rights deal with electric racing championship Formula E.

The deal will see Channel 4 serve as the UK’s exclusive free-to-air TV home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Every race in the 16-race calendar will be broadcast by Channel 4 either via its linear channel, its catch-up service All4 or on its YouTube channel.

Race highlights will be broadcast on Channel 4 and All 4, while the new-look head-to-head knockout ‘duels’ competing for pole position will be available live before every E-Prix on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.

Channel 4’s head of sport Pete Andrews said: “Formula E is a fantastically exciting sport and this deal is wonderful news for sports fans. We’re proud to be showcasing a sport with sustainability at its heart and one that plays such an important role in seeking to combat the climate crisis.”  

Aarti Dabas, chief media officer, Formula E, said: “We are delighted to build on our relationship with Channel 4 as the exclusive free-to-air home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship here in the UK. The multi-year partnership with Channel 4 is great news for fans across the UK and for the continued growth of our sport. Last season saw more fans around the world tune into our live race programming than ever before. With Channel 4 established as the regular free-to-air home for Formula E in the UK, we look forward to better serving our passionate fanbase while attracting new fans to the excitement of all-electric street-racing.”