Sky has announced that they have inked a deal with Channel 4, which allows them to broadcast LIVE coverage of the Formula 1 season finale.
Sky Sports had achieved a record in viewership right from the first race of 2021 in Bahrain to the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia, which drew a peak audience of 2.7 million viewers. The decision of Sky to strike a partnership with Channel 4 ahead will guarantee the maximum possible audience across the UK and Ireland for a once in a lifetime moment for the sport.
Channel 4’s Chief Executive Alex Mahon said, “We are delighted that the whole nation will be able to watch what is set to be one of the most thrilling finales to an F1 season in living memory as Lewis strives to become the most crowned World Champion of all time.”
The seven-time champion from the UK, Lewis Hamilton has possibly achieved everything in this sport but definitely won’t mind winning it one more time. Whereas, Verstappen, the thrilling 24-year-old Red Bull driver, would win his first championship. Either way, it will be a magical moment for F1 fans from all around the world.
Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky said, “Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be a 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 brilliant 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 said, “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 UK. We are all looking forward to Sunday and hope all the fans will be glued to their screens.”
The channel will show all the events LIVE from Abu Dhabi including practice and qualifying as both drivers will aim to advance a crucial lead before the chequered flag.
A victory for Hamilton at Yas Marina circuit will ensure that he will break Michael Schumacher’s seven-time world driver’s championship and thus will create history.
The two leading drivers, Max Verstappen and Hamilton are on equal points in this one-of-a-kind race, the one winning this will take all in an epic season finale.