F1 extend Sky deal with increased exclusivity

Sam Hall
Friday 30 September 2022 12:30

F1 has announced a multi-year contract extension with broadcast partner Sky with a focus on greater exclusivity.

Sky Sports has hosted F1 in the UK since 2012 and will continue to broadcast F1 until at least 2029 as part of the new arrangement.

As part of the new deal, F1 fans have been promised "even more innovative award-winning coverage and analysis" and the ability to "take control of how they follow all the action through an improved multi-screen and second-screen option, tracking their favourite driver’s position on the circuit or selecting a driver’s on-board camera."

Average viewership for the current season is up 1.7 million, 60 per cent, since the start of the last UK exclusive deal began in 2019 with 4.3m new viewers to Sky Sports F1.

Of the five most-watched races in F1 history, four have taken place this year.

“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.”

The deal includes all Sky markets with Sky Italia and Germany retaining the rights to F1 coverage until 2027 with greater exclusivity.

National races will continue to be broadcast free to air.

“Every race. Every moment. Every twist and turn," said Stephen van Rooyen, executive vice president and CEO of Sky UK & Europe.

"All exclusively live on Sky for years to come! Formula 1 continues to break records on Sky, with millions more watching than ever before across our markets, driven by new younger and female fans which is fantastic for the sport.

"More than 80 countries will continue to enjoy our world-class analysis and content of one of the most exhilarating sports in the world.”