German free-to-air broadcaster RTL to cease broadcasting F1

Formula 1 will go behind a pay wall in Germany in 2021 after free-to-air broadcaster RTL has elected not to continue a 30-year relationship.

RTL head of sport, Manfred Loppe, has blamed the changing financial landscape for forcing the broadcaster out of F1.

“When you have competitors in the game who are prepared to offer double as much as you can then you are forced into a position of having to withdraw," said RTL’s Head of Sport, Manfred Loppe.

He added: "[RTL] still obviously wants to try in the future to present attractive sporting events to our viewers. But it is clear that economic limits will play a role, as well as the changing competitive environment.

“We have broadcast Formula 1 for over three decades with great love and passion, as well as with a plucky readiness for innovation and investment.

“RTL will forever be associated with the most widely viewed, most emotional, unforgotten moments in the top motor racing series.”

RTL has broadcast Formula 1 in Germany since 1991. In this time, Michael Schumacher has taken seven world titles, Sebastian Vettel four and Nico Rosberg one. Mercedes too has taken six constructors' crowns.

Even with Lewis Hamilton's recent dominance in the drivers rankings, the 30-years covered by RTL have been by far and away the greatest years for Germany in Formula 1.

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