Sky Sports F1 is a dedicated channel for Formula One coverage, offering live races, expert analysis, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content throughout the season. Sky Sports F1 is the only UK channel showing every Formula One Grand Prix live.
The channel launched in 2012 after Sky secured Formula One broadcasting rights in the UK and Ireland. As part of this deal, Sky gained access to all races, but the BBC retained the rights to air 10 Grands Prix, including several key races such as the British Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix. As part of cost-cutting measures, the BBC later sold this right to Channel 4 in 2015.
In 2019, Sky secured exclusive live rights to Formula One in the UK for the first time. This meant Sky Sports F1 became the only place to watch every Grand Prix live, with Channel 4 only having coverage of the British Grand Prix. Sky has since extended its deal multiple times, with its latest agreement ensuring exclusive live coverage of every Formula One session in the UK through the 2029 season.
In other words, Sky is the undisputed home of Formula 1 action in the UK and the only place to access more than just race highlights.
Looking for the Full F1 Calendar? For all the races, dates and results from this season head over to our F1 Calendar page.
How to Watch Sky Sports F1?
Sky Sports F1 is available as part of a Sky Sports subscription or as a standalone channel on a monthly rolling contract. This latter option comes at a lower monthly cost and allows you to cancel during the off-season. Both options require a Sky TV package.
If you do not have or want Sky TV, you can still watch via NOW, which gives access to all Sky Sports channels, including F1, on desktop, mobile, and smart devices. NOW offers flexible options, including a monthly rolling pass or longer-term plans at a lower monthly cost. There is even the option to pay just for 24-hour access.
Sky Sports F1 Presenters & Commentators
Sky have long recognised the need for quality names to support coverage, rather than relying on coverage alone. When first getting a slice of the F1 pie in 2012, they lured away a large part of the BBC’s team, including Martin Brundle and David Croft. Since then, they have continued to improve and expand their team, enabling them to deliver top-class commentary, insights and opinions.
- Simon Lazenby (lead presenter) – Fronts Sky’s coverage, leading build-up, interviews, and post-race analysis.
- David Croft (commentator) – Lead commentator who has long been ‘The Voice’ of F1 in the UK, responsible for some iconic lines.
- Ted Kravitz (grid walk reporter) – Pit lane reporter known for grid walks and behind-the-scenes access.
- Martin Brundle (lead analyst) – Former F1 driver who provides expert race analysis and co-commentary.
- Karun Chandhok (co-analyst) – Delivers detailed race breakdowns and replay analysis using data and comparisons.
- Anthony Davidson (technical analyst) – Explains the technical and engineering side of F1 with in-depth insights.
- Bernie Collins (strategy analyst) – Former F1 strategist who breaks down race tactics and pit stop decisions.
- Jamie Chadwick (expert) – Provides insight from a current racing driver’s perspective across the grid.
- Naomi Schiff (expert) – Offers analysis on drivers, teams, and race performance from a racing background.
- Jacques Villeneuve (expert) – Former world champion bringing opinion and experience from the top level of F1.
- Jenson Button (expert) – 2009 world champion, provides high-level insight into racecraft and strategy.
- Nico Rosberg (expert) – 2016 world champion offering detailed analysis of drivers and team dynamics.
- Natalie Pinkham (reporter) – Hosts The F1 Report and conducts driver interviews across race weekends.
- Rachel Brookes (reporter) – Presents The F1 Show and reports on key stories from the paddock.
- Craig Slater (Sky Sports News reporter) – Covers breaking news and major developments from the F1 paddock.
- Harry Benjamin (commentator) – Stand-in commentator for Croft, who has been the voice of racing on BBC 5 Live since 2023. Also a commentator on the ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ series in season six.
Coverage Features
Sky Sports F1 coverage is designed to give viewers more control over how they watch a race weekend. From 2026, a new interactive viewing feature introduced an immersive sidebar, allowing fans to access live race control, standings, and instant recaps. It also includes dedicated driver and team pages, with onboard cameras, team radio, and enhanced data, making it easier to follow specific battles as they happen.
The broadcast continues to focus heavily on expert analysis and insight. Features such as Pit Wall Live see Bernie Collins explain race strategy in real time, while the SkyPad is used by Anthony Davidson and Karun Chandhok to break down key moments and incidents. Shows like Ted’s Notebook and The F1 Show provide further analysis, previews, and post-race discussion, giving viewers a deeper understanding of each race weekend.
Sky also offers multiple ways to follow the action during sessions. Fans can watch onboard cameras for every driver across practice, qualifying, Sprints, and races, complete with live team radio. Pre-race coverage includes the popular Grid Walk, which delivers interviews and behind-the-scenes access shortly before lights out.
Alongside its core coverage, Sky continues to expand its digital and viewing experience. Races are available in Ultra High Definition (UHD), while additional content is shared across social media and online platforms. New elements, such as updated theme music and wider availability through services like Apple TV, further enhance the overall presentation and access.
What Else Does Sky Sports F1 Show?
In addition to live Formula One coverage, Sky Sports F1 also shows race highlights, replays, and driver interviews. Much of this content is repeated throughout the week, as there is no live racing outside of race weekends. The channel also covers other open-wheel motorsport series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the IndyCar Series, as well as selected events, such as the Ferrari Challenge Europe.
Typical F1 Weekend Schedule on Sky Sports
A typical race weekend on Sky Sports F1 includes:
Thursday
- Drivers’ Press Conference
- Paddock Uncut
Friday
- Practice One
- Team Bosses Press Conference
- Practice Two
- The F1 Show
Saturday
- Practice Three
- Qualifying Build-Up
- Qualifying
- Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday
- GP Build-Up
- The Grand Prix
- Chequered Flag (post-race analysis)
- Ted’s Notebook
- Race Replay
- Race Highlights
Some of the content is made available on Sky One (but not the race itself).
F1 Show Podcast
Sky also produces a free podcast, The F1 Show, featuring race analysis, news, and behind-the-scenes insight. Hosted by Simon Lazenby, Bernie Collins, and Ted Kravitz, episodes are released after each race weekend and are available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.