Channel 4 will now show Formula One coverage in the United Kingdom after BBC have pulled out of showing the pinnacle of Motorsport from 2016.
BBC have decided to end their contract to show half of the races live each season three years early due to cuts in spending.
Channel 4 has a deal from 2016-2018 to show 10 live races and the remaining 11 through highlights.
However, BBC Radio 5 live has extended its commentary rights for Formula One until the 2021 season.
Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group 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 have confirmed race coverage will remain ad-free meaning the channel is the first free-to-air commercial broadcaster to do this.
Jay Hunt, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer 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.”
Channel 4 will announce news regarding their presenting teams and which races they will show live in the new year.
