Formula 1 on Sky Sports F1
The BBC initially had exclusive UK rights from 2009 until the end of the 2013 season. But because of the licence fee freeze and resultant review of cost constraints, were expected to leave F1 after the 2011 season.
A new broadcast rights deal was announced on 29 July 2011, that Sky Sports would cover all race sessions, including practice, qualifying and the races, live and in High Definition.
BBC Sport would cover 10 Grand Prix races live including the British Grand Prix and show highlights of the other 10.
In November 2011, Sky Sports announced that a new dedicated F1 channel which will launch in March 2012.
In 2016 it was announced that Sky Sports would broadcast F1 exclusively from 2019 in the United Kingdom. The broadcaster announced that they will show every race live from 2019 to 2024 after agreeing a new deal with Formula One Management. The British Grand Prix remains live and free-to-air, as will highlights of every race and qualifying session. Furthermore, at least two ‘prime time’ races will be shown live on Sky Sports Mix. Sky have also announced that from 2017, every race will be shown live in Ultra HD via SkyQ.
Bernie Ecclestone said “I am delighted that we will continue to work together. Sky’s commitment to the Sport and standard of coverage is second to none.”
More information on Formula 1 exclusively on Sky Sports here
Sky Sports HD F1 will air coverage of all practice sessions, qualifying and the race. Their race coverage will be commercial free.
Sky sports F1 Channel – Prices (Jan 2016)
The dedicated Sky Sports F1 channel will be provided at no extra charge to all Sky TV customers who take both Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2.
It will be found at 407 in Sky’s on-screen guide.
The cheapest way to watch Sky Sports F1 via satellite is via the Sky Sports Bundle. You will need to subscribe to the Sky Original Bundle, and the Sky Sports Bundle. This costs £45.50 a month, and it works out at £546.00 a year. This is actually lower (by £6.00) compared to the January 2015 price, because the price for their Original Bundle has actually dropped.
For Sky Sports F1 in high definition, you need to subscribe to the Sky Family Bundle, the Sky Sports Bundle and then the Sports HD upgrade. This costs £66.75 a month, working out to £801.00 a year.
Sky Sports HD F1 Commentary team
Sky Sports HD F1 presentation team consists of:
Simon Lazenby – Presenter for main F1 shows of qualifying and race day.
Martin Brundle – Commentator for qualifying and race day, and will also provide his famous pre race grid-walk . Previously covered F1 on ITV between 1997–2008 and on the BBC from 2009–2011. He will do his grid walk on every race – talking to the drivers, getting confused with Bernie’s answers to his questions, and confusing celebrities on the grid. He will provide expert analysis on races and will provide his opinion.
Anthony Davidson – Commentator on practice and race day pundit.
David Croft – Commentator on practice sessions, qualifying and race day. Previously covered F1 on BBC Radio 5 Live from 2006–2011. David will commentate on every session of the across the weekend, Practice, Qualifying and indeed the Race. He will be head commentator for practice along side Anthony Davidson and co-commentator for qualifying and the race.
Ted Kravitz – Pitlane reporter and will also host an F1 Magazine programme. Previously covered F1 on ITV from 2002–2008 and on the BBC from 2009–2011. Ted will give any bits of gossip down from the pitlane. He has being providing excellent information for years.
Natalie Pinkham – Pitlane reporter. Previously held similar role on BBC Radio 5 Live in 2011. Natalie will be providing the key information that viewers will need.
Steve Rider – Presenter for Legends interviews programme. Previously host of Formula One occasionally on the BBC from 1985–1996 and on ITV from 2006–2008.
Damon Hill – Expert analysis from the former World Champion.
Johnny Herbert – Expert analysis
Other former F1 drivers, like Bruno Senna, Paul di Resta and Karun Chandhok, may appear at certain race weekend when other presenters may not be available.
Sky Sports F1 would also broadcast the GP2 and GP3 series live.