Coulthard and Whisper Films confirmed for Channel 4

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has been confirmed as part of the presenting team in Channel 4’s coverage of the sport.

The former BBC pundit and co-commentator has been signed alongside production company Whisper Films to produce the coverage. His actual role is yet to be confirmed, as are any of the colleagues who will join the 13-time grand prix winner.

The channel was announced as taking over from the BBC in covering Formula 1 on free-to-air television last month due to the BBC leaving their contract, due to run until 2018, early due to cost-cutting measures.

Since winning the rights to show the sport, the channel had been in talks with companies, and Whisper Films was seen to be the best possibility due to ‘the signing of a number of key production personnel and presenters with extensive experience in the sport.’

As well as this, North One Television, known from their days on the ITV coverage of the sport, have been brought on board by the channel to produce ‘a number of accompanying programmes’ to support their coverage.

On the announcement of the news, Coulthard stated of his excitement at continuing to work in the sport for years to come:

This is an exciting time for the sport and an exciting time for Whisper Films. The F1 world has been incredibly impressed with what Whisper has delivered over the last five years and Channel 4’s decision is testament to that. I’m looking forward to being part of an exciting new era for Formula One, with Whisper Films and our proven level of creativity and innovation very much at the heart of that.

The Head of TV Events and Sport at Channel 4, Ed Havard, echoed those thoughts:

Whisper Films outlined an extremely impressive and exciting vision for their F1 coverage, with outstanding on and off screen talent as an integral part of their pitch. We are delighted that David Coulthard will be at the heart of Channel 4’s coverage and look forward to announcing the full presenting team in the coming weeks.

It would be thought that the full team will be known before their coverage gets underway in March.