British TV station Channel 4 has reached a deal to show the Formula 1 championship finale in Abu Dhabi, making it free to air in the UK and Ireland.
Since 2019 Sky Sports F1 has had exclusive live rights, with only one event – the British Grand Prix – available free to air on Channel 4. The latter does show delayed highlight programmes of qualifying and the race from the other events on the calendar throughout the year.
Sky first showed F1 races in 2012 as part of a deal where the BBC showed 10 live races also. Channel 4 took over from the BBC alongside Sky in 2016 and initially had the same split.
As first reported by The Times, the two companies have reached an agreement to allow Channel 4 to show the race live as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duel for the drivers’ championship.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Sky’s decision to share the coverage.
“We are excited that Sky will make the grand prix on Sunday available to Channel 4 viewers so everyone can tune in live for the thrilling finale to this epic season,” he said.
“Sky’s passion for Formula 1 is incredible and this generous gesture shows their love of the sport and the millions of fans in the UK.”
Verstappen has the potential to clinch his first F1 drivers’ championship, while the British appeal for fans undoubtedly lies with Hamilton and his bid to win a Michael Schumacher-beating eighth world title as the pair currently sit tied on seven.
Their respective teams Mercedes and Red Bull will also battle for the lucrative constructors’ championship.
It will also be the first time F1 visits the new layout of the Abu Dhabi circuit which has traditionally held the season finale in recent years.
