U.K. Formula 1 Coverage Moves from BBC to Channel 4

LONDON: Channel 4 will become the new terrestrial home of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2016-18, as the BBC has ended its contract early due to cost-cutting measures.

As part of a new deal agreed to with Formula 1 World Championship Limited, Channel 4 will air ten live Formula 1 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, in each of the three FIA Formula 1 World Championship seasons from 2016 to 2018. It will also broadcast highlights of all 21 Grands Prix and qualifying sessions—including those shown live by Sky Sports F1. All of the live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in HD.

In a first for a U.K. terrestrial commercial broadcaster, no advertising breaks will be taken through the duration of the live races.

Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of the Formula 1 group, said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race.

“I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula 1 have moved on.”

David Abraham, Channel 4's chief executive, added: “Formula 1 is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I’m delighted to have agreed to this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”

Jay Hunt, Channel 4's chief creative officer, said: “Channel 4 and Formula 1 are the perfect partnership. We've the same appetite for innovation and we'll be demonstrating that to fans by becoming the first free-to-air commercial broadcaster to show the races ad free.”