Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for live Formula 1 coverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland, a partnership set to continue until 2034. This extensive agreement ensures that every session of each Grand Prix weekend is available live to subscribers.
The 2026 Formula 1 season features 24 Grand Prix weekends, with Sky Sports providing comprehensive coverage from the opening practice sessions through to the main race.
Sky sports F1 exclusive coverage in the united kingdom
Sky Sports F1 is the dedicated channel for all live Formula 1 action in the UK, offering every practice session, qualifying, sprint race, and Grand Prix. This includes exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis throughout the race weekends.
Viewers can also access additional features such as Martin Brundle’s pre-race grid walk, providing unique insights directly from the track. Sky’s coverage extends beyond Formula 1 to include Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup.
Sky sports subscription packages for Formula 1
Existing Sky TV customers can add the Sky Sports F1 channel to their current subscription, typically on a 31-day rolling contract. This add-on usually costs between £15 and £20 per month, depending on current promotions.
For those without an existing Sky TV membership, various bundles are available that combine television services with Sky Sports. The Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle starts from £35 per month, offering nine Sky Sports channels and approximately 100 regular TV channels.
A more comprehensive option is the Ultimate TV and Sky Sports package, priced at £42 per month, which includes 35 additional channels along with subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hayu. These packages provide full live coverage of every Formula 1 session.
Now streaming passes for live Formula 1
NOW, formerly known as NOW TV, offers a flexible way to stream Sky Sports F1 without a long-term contract, providing various passes for different viewing needs. The NOW Sports Day Membership grants 24-hour access to all Sky Sports channels for £14.99.
For more extended viewing, the NOW Multi-Sport Membership includes F1, tennis, cricket, rugby, darts, golf, NFL, and NBA, excluding football content. This membership costs £19.99 per month with a 12-month minimum term, or £26.99 per month for a cancel-anytime option.
The NOW All Sky Sports Membership provides access to every Sky Sports channel, including all football content, for £27.99 per month on a 12-month minimum term, or £34.99 per month for a flexible, cancel-anytime plan. All NOW Sports memberships allow streaming of every F1 practice, qualifying, sprint, and race live.
| Subscription Option | Description | Price (2026) | Contract Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports F1 Add-on | Requires existing Sky TV subscription; dedicated F1 channel | £15 – £20 per month | 31-day rolling |
| NOW Sports Day Membership | Access to all Sky Sports channels for 24 hours | £14.99 per day | 24 hours |
| NOW Multi-Sport Membership | All Sky Sports channels except football (includes F1) | £19.99 per month | 12-month minimum |
| NOW Multi-Sport Membership (flexible) | All Sky Sports channels except football (includes F1) | £26.99 per month | Cancel anytime |
| NOW All Sky Sports Membership | Access to all Sky Sports channels (includes F1 and football) | £27.99 per month | 12-month minimum |
| NOW All Sky Sports Membership (flexible) | Access to all Sky Sports channels (includes F1 and football) | £34.99 per month | Cancel anytime |
| Sky Essential TV and Sky Sports Bundle | Sky TV, 9 Sky Sports channels, ~100 regular channels, Netflix, Disney+ | From £35 per month | Variable |
| Sky Ultimate TV and Sky Sports Package | Sky TV, all Sky Sports, 35 extra channels, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hayu | £42 per month | Variable |
Enhanced viewing features for Formula 1
Sky Sports has introduced cutting-edge broadcast innovations for its 2026 Formula 1 coverage, available to customers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q devices. These enhancements include an immersive sidebar throughout each race weekend.
The sidebar features Race Control, live in-race standings, and a Recap function for replays. Viewers also have access to dedicated driver and team pages, enhanced data, and improved homepage navigation.
Subscribers can stream onboard camera footage from every driver, accompanied by live team radio messages, across all sessions. For those with compatible equipment, Sky offers F1 in 4K Ultra HD and HDR via the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel, with Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
NOW also provides F1 Race Control streams, offering additional camera angles, 20 onboard driver cameras, timing screens, and team radio. An optional Boost upgrade for NOW offers 1080p Full HD and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, while Ultra Boost provides up to 4K UHD HDR and Dolby Atmos.
Channel 4 free-to-air Formula 1 highlights
While Sky Sports maintains exclusive live rights for most of the Formula 1 season, Channel 4 continues to offer free-to-air coverage in the UK. This includes highlights of every Grand Prix weekend.
Under its current deal, Channel 4 also broadcasts the British Grand Prix live. This provides a free option for fans to watch one of the most anticipated races of the season.
