Broadcaster has agreed a deal with Sky for the F1 finale

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix 3

Channel 4 will broadcast the final Formula One race of the season, sharing the rights with Sky Sports. 

Interest in the event has grown over the last few weeks, with fans engrossed in the title race between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The pair go into the final race on equal points after a series of incredible racing feats and controversial moments.

If Hamilton wins it will be his record eighth title, overtaking Michael Schumacher to hold the most drivers championships of anyone in F1 history.

It was revealed yesterday that Channel 4 was in talks with Sky to air the season finale in Abu Dhabi, and Sky has now confirmed that the negotiations have been successful. It also revealed that the qualifying session will be shown on Sky Showcase, making it available to all Sky customers - not just those with the Sport package. 

This comes after the last race, in Saudi Arabia was the highest ever viewed on Sky Sports. The race averaged 2.23m from lights out to chequered flag with a peak of 2.66m at 7.19pm.

The deal is likely similar to that which saw Channel 4 show the Cricket World Cup Final in 2019 with Sky, and the US Open final earlier this year with Amazon Prime Video.

Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe at Sky, said: “Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport. We’ve chosen to gift the race to the whole country at Christmas through our partnership with Channel 4, so everyone can be part of a huge national moment as Lewis Hamilton goes for a historic eighth World Championship title.

“The Sky Sports Formula 1 team will give viewers on Channel 4 and Sky Sports the best insight, commentary and analysis of every twist and turn of this most eagerly anticipated final race of the season. Additionally all Sky TV customers will have live coverage of the important qualifying session on Saturday, and the race on Sunday – which we will also show live on Sky Showcase.”

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “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. 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 U.K. We are all looking forward to Sunday and hope all the fans will be glued to their screens.”