Sky Secures Formula 1 Rights in UK & Ireland Through 2034 After Record 162 Million Viewer Hours

*TL;DR: Sky will broadcast every Formula 1 session in the UK and Ireland until the 2034 season after viewership hit a record 162 million hours in 2025, a 14% increase from 2023.

Context Sky has been the exclusive home of Formula 1 in the UK and Ireland since 2019. Over the past three seasons, total viewing in the region grew 90%, with younger audiences and women driving much of the surge. The latest agreement adds five more seasons to the partnership, aligning the UK‑Ireland deal with a similar extension in Italy.

Key Facts - The new contract runs through the 2034 Formula 1 season, giving Sky exclusive rights to every practice, qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland. - From 2023 to 2025, Sky’s F1 audience grew 14%, reaching 162 million viewer hours in 2025, the highest ever for the broadcaster. - Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Sky as a “dedicated, trusted, and passionate partner” since the relationship began. - Sky will continue to air race highlights and the British Grand Prix live on free‑to‑air TV, while all other sessions remain on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform. - The deal also bundles coverage of Formula 2, Formula 3, the F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup, expanding the motorsport portfolio for subscribers.

What It Means The extension locks in a proven revenue stream for both parties. For Sky, the agreement secures premium live content that drives subscriber growth, especially among the 35‑under demographic that has risen 120% in recent years. For Formula 1, the long‑term partnership guarantees a stable broadcast platform in two of its largest English‑speaking markets, supporting the sport’s broader strategy to grow viewership beyond traditional strongholds.

Looking ahead, the next contract renewal will likely focus on digital integration and interactive features as streaming competition intensifies. Watch for how Sky leverages its expanded rights to deepen engagement with younger fans and whether similar long‑term deals emerge in other key territories.