Full Breakdown
Sky Sports Extends Exclusive Formula 1 Broadcast Rights Through 2034 (UK & Ireland) and 2032 (Italy)
5/6/2026, 9:13:54 PM
Core Event: Multi-Year Extension Secures Sky’s F1 Coverage
Sky Sports announced a five-year extension of its exclusive television rights for Formula 1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, now running to the end of 2034, and a parallel extension for Sky Italia to 2032. The agreement covers live broadcasts of every practice, qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix, as well as Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and the Porsche Supercup. Live races remain on Sky Sports F1 and the NOW streaming platform, while free-to-air highlights and the British Grand Prix continue on terrestrial television.
Background & Context: Sky’s Evolution as F1’s UK Home
Sky first acquired F1 rights in 2012, ending the sport’s long-standing presence on ITV and the BBC. In 2016 Channel 4 took over free-to-air highlights, a role it retains. Since 2019 Sky has been the sole live broadcaster in the UK and Ireland, a position reinforced by a 2022 contract that originally ran to 2029. The latest extension deepens a partnership that began over a decade ago.
Data & Statistics: Viewership Surge and Deal Valuation
Since Sky’s 2019 exclusivity, total F1 viewing in the UK has risen 90 %, with under-35 audiences up 120 % and female viewership more than doubling. The 2025 season set a record of 162 million viewer hours, a 14 % increase over the previous three seasons. Unconfirmed reports in the British press suggest the new deal could be worth around £1 billion, though the parties have not disclosed the exact figure.
Key Figures & Groups
- Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, who praised Sky’s “world-leading approach”.
- Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive of Sky, highlighted the broadcaster’s role in “world-class storytelling”.
- Martin Brundle, former driver and lead Sky F1 analyst, noted the strength of the production team.
- Sky Sports F1 production crew, responsible for innovations such as the Ghost Car and SkyPad analysis tools.
Official Statements & Responses
Domenicali emphasized that Sky’s dedicated partnership has helped grow the sport across the three markets and expressed enthusiasm for the next decade. Strong reiterated Sky’s pride in supporting F1’s expansion through investment and innovative coverage. Sky’s on-air talent, led by Brundle, described the extension as a validation of the channel’s creative resources and its commitment to delivering immersive viewer experiences.
Criticism & Opposition: Market Competition Concerns
Industry commentary notes that streaming platforms—Apple TV in the United States and Netflix’s upcoming joint-stream with Apple for the Canadian Grand Prix—are probing the F1 market. Sources report that Sky felt “nervous” about a potential UK takeover by Apple if a timely renewal had not been secured, indicating underlying competitive pressure despite the new agreement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the partnership’s duration and coverage scope are confirmed, the precise financial terms remain undisclosed. The £1 billion figure appears in secondary reporting but lacks official verification, leaving the exact valuation of the deal uncertain.
Timeline of Rights and Milestones
- 2012 – Sky acquires initial F1 rights.
- 2016 – Channel 4 begins free-to-air highlights.
- 2019 – Sky gains exclusive live broadcast rights.
- 2022 – Contract extended to 2029.
- 2025 – Record 162 million viewer hours; Lando Norris wins Drivers’ Championship.
- May 6 2024 – Extension announced to 2034 (UK/Ireland) and 2032 (Italy).
What’s Next: Upcoming Races and Future Coverage
The 2026 season will open with the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, followed by a sprint weekend. Sky will continue to stream all sessions live, while free-to-air highlights remain available across the UK and Italy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Their world-leading approach to live broadcasting, content creation, behind the scenes analysis led by a truly amazing group of on-screen talent has made the difference in continuing to grow our sport in the UK, Ireland and Italy and I am delighted we will be taking our partnership into the next decade.” — Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO, Formula 1
- “Dana Strong, group chief executive Sky, said: "We're proud of the role we've played in supporting the sport's growth through world-class storytelling, innovation and long-term investment.” — Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive, Sky
- “We have the most amazing team of creative people and every time the green light is on at the end of the pit lane, we're always live,” — Martin Brundle, Sky F1 Analyst
- “This new agreement secures Sky as the home of Formula 1 for years to come, as the sport enters an exciting era with more British talent on the grid and rising stars like Kimi Antonelli.” — Sky Sports Spokesperson
- “What happens, happens and it's some crazy thing that's sort of taken on a life of its own, "Our job is to put the viewer at the venue, in the garage, in the pit lane, on the pit wall, on the grid, inside the cockpit.” — Martin Brundle, Sky F1 Analyst
