Sky Sports has cemented its position as the definitive home of Formula One in Europe, securing a massive broadcast rights extension worth a reported UK£1 billion (US$1.4 billion). This landmark agreement ensures the global motorsport series remains on Sky in the UK and Ireland until 2034, and in Italy until 2032.
A Billion-Dollar Bet on Speed
The new deal represents a significant financial escalation in the battle for premium sports content. The agreement marks a 55 per cent increase over the previous contract signed in 2022, which was valued at UK£645 million (US$878.6 million).
This extension is the earliest the two parties have renewed their relationship since Sky first acquired Formula One rights in 2012, providing both the broadcaster and the sport with long-term stability. The investment reflects the skyrocketing popularity of the sport; Sky reports that viewing in the UK and Ireland has surged by 90 per cent since it became the exclusive broadcaster in 2019.
What This Means for Fans
For subscribers, the viewing experience remains comprehensive. Fans will continue to have access to every practice session, qualifying lap, sprint, and Grand Prix via Sky’s traditional channels and its streaming service, Now.
Free-to-Air Accessibility
Despite the exclusivity of the pay-TV deal, certain elements of the sport will remain accessible to the general public:
- United Kingdom: Highlights of every Grand Prix and live coverage of the British Grand Prix will continue to be available free-to-air (FTA). However, a new FTA partner has not yet been named, as the existing deal with Channel 4 expires at the end of this season.
- Italy: The live broadcast of the Italian Grand Prix will remain free via TV8.
Beyond the Main Event
The partnership extends beyond the premier class. Sky will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the broader motorsport ecosystem, including:
- Formula Two
- Formula Three
- F1 Academy
- Porsche Supercup
Driving Growth: The “Antonelli Effect” and British Talent
The timing of the deal follows a period of record-breaking engagement. Sky enjoyed its most-watched Formula One season in the UK and Ireland in 2025. The momentum has carried into 2026, with Italian viewership jumping 25 per cent at the start of the season, driven largely by the strong performances of rising star Kimi Antonelli.
“Sky has always been a dedicated, trusted, and passionate partner since we began our relationship many years ago,” said Stefano Domenicali, Formula One president and chief executive. “Their world leading approach to live broadcasting, content creation, and behind-the-scenes analysis… Has made the difference in continuing to grow our sport in the UK, Ireland, and Italy.”
Dana Strong, group chief executive of Sky, emphasized the role of storytelling in the sport’s expansion, noting that the agreement secures Sky’s role as the sport enters an era featuring more British talent on the grid.
The Competitive Landscape
Securing this extension was not without challenges. Reports indicate that Sky had to fend off significant interest from streaming platforms eager to enter the F1 space. This trend is evident in the United States, where Apple is currently in its first season of broadcasting the sport after paying a reported US$150 million annually following the success of the F1 movie.
While Formula One has shown a willingness to pivot toward streaming in the US market, the guaranteed revenue and established infrastructure provided by Sky made the partnership the logical choice for the UK and Italian markets.
Market Note: Germany
this deal does not include Germany. While Germany was part of the 2022 renewal, Sky’s operations in that market are now owned by RTL, which acquired the broadcaster last year.
Key Takeaways: Sky Sports F1 Extension
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Deal Value | UK£1 billion (US$1.4 billion) |
| UK & Ireland Duration | Until 2034 |
| Italy Duration | Until 2032 |
| Value Increase | 55% increase over the 2022 deal |
| Key FTA Events | British GP (UK) and Italian GP (Italy) |
Looking Ahead
With the broadcast landscape locked in for the next decade, Formula One and Sky Sports are positioned to capitalize on a new generation of drivers and an expanding global fanbase. As the sport continues to integrate deeper analytics and behind-the-scenes storytelling, the partnership aims to further solidify F1’s cultural footprint in Europe.