Formula One leaves the BBC and moves to Channel 4

Formula One has parted ways from the BBC as rumoured last week, but instead of moving to ITV as suggested, Channel 4 has become the new terrestrial home of the sport.



The broadcaster has signed a new three-year deal for 2016-2018. It will broadcast 10 races per season live - and without adverts - along with the practice and qualifying sessions

It will also show highlights of all 21 races and qualifying sessions for the seasons.

All broadcasting will be free-to-air and in high definition.

Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group Bernie Ecclestone said: "I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race.

"I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula 1 have moved on."

Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham added: "Formula One is one of the world's biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I'm delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television."

Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt said: "Channel 4 and Formula One are the perfect partnership.

"We've the same appetite for innovation and we'll be demonstrating that to fans by becoming the first free-to-air commercial broadcaster to show the races ad free."

Details of the races to be broadcast live will be agreed in early 2016, and production and presenting teams are also yet to be announced.

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Sport has written a lengthy blog post explaining that the BBC had to move away from F1 as part of plans to close a £150 million annual gap in the corporation's finances.

Around £35 million of these savings fell on its sport output and "a significant chunk of BBC Sport's remaining savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1".

She added: "Any decision to have to stop broadcasting a particular sport or sporting event is hugely disappointing and taken reluctantly.

"As part of the exit arrangements we are extending our radio rights deal to 2021 and will continue to cover the sport via our sports news service and the BBC Sport website."