Germany’s Formula 1 coverage will switch full-time to Sky Deutschland from 2021 after a new deal was reached that will see a bespoke channel launched, and four races on free-to-air TV.
Sky Deutschland returned to the Formula 1 paddock in 2019 and on Monday a revised long-term contract was revealed, following Sunday’s announcement that FTA broadcaster RTL will end its relationship after 2020.
Four selected races will be shown free per season while a 30-minute highlight show will be broadcast on FTA channel Sky Sport News HD.
As part of the new deal the company will launch a bespoke Formula 1 channel and races will run in HD, with no commercial breaks, while practice and qualifying will also be shown live.
F1 TV Pro will also be available to Sky Sports’ subscribers in Germany as part of the revised terms.
“Formula 1 and Sky have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, working well together to enhance the broadcast offering by providing comprehensive coverage of the sport for our passionate fan base,” said Ian Holmes, Formula 1’s Director of Media Rights.
“I am delighted that our work together will continue to build and strengthen the impressive quality of Sky’s programming, as well as their digital reach.”
Devesh Raj, CEO Sky Germany, said: “This will be the best motorsports experience ever.
“We know motorsport fans love the way we produce F1 and our commentators have fans all of their own, but now with the first channel dedicated to F1 content on German TV ever we’ll give fans more F1 content than has ever been seen on German TV before.
“With our unique digital content offering and four races free for everyone every year, we will help introduce millions more people to the joy of F1 and help grow the sports across the motorsport country Germany.
“This exciting new deal shows that Sky is the number one for sports fans in Germany.”
