BBC Radio 5 Live Secures Exclusive F1 UK Radio Rights Through 2027
BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds have secured exclusive UK radio rights to broadcast Formula 1 for the next three seasons, extending through 2027. The announcement ensures comprehensive live coverage of every race session, including practice, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself, for UK listeners.
Key Broadcast Details
Listeners can access live commentary and updates through various platforms:
- BBC Radio 5 Live: Grand Prix coverage, including build-up starting at 05:30 GMT.
- BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: Live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions.
- BBC Sounds: All race sessions will be available on demand and live.
- BBC Sport website: Live race commentary will also be available online.
Expert Punditry Team
The broadcast team features a lineup of experienced commentators and analysts, including:
- Harry Benjamin: Lead race commentator.
- Jennie Gow & Rosanna Tennant: Presenters and pit lane reporters.
- Damon Hill: 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, providing expert analysis. Hill recently joined the BBC team after leaving Sky Sports, where he felt “pushed back” during his final months.
- Sam Bird: Formula E driver, offering insights from a current racing perspective.
- Alice Powell: Former W Series driver, contributing expertise on racing dynamics.
- Marc Priestley: Former McLaren race mechanic, providing technical analysis.
Upcoming Japanese Grand Prix Schedule (March 27-29, 2026)
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, with timings in GMT:
- Friday, March 27:
- First practice: 02:30-03:30 GMT – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- Second practice: 06:00-07:00 GMT – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- Saturday, March 28:
- Final practice: 02:30-03:30 GMT – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- Qualifying: 06:00-07:00 GMT – BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- Sunday, March 29:
- Grand Prix: 06:00 GMT (build-up from 05:30 GMT) – BBC Radio 5 Live