By Stuart Thomson

UK pay TV operator Sky has struck a partnership with terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4 that will see Sky Sports’ live coverage of the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi aired free-to-view.

Sky Sports said it had seen record viewing from the competition, with the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia watched by a peak audience of 2.7 million viewers. It said its decision to deepen its partnership with Channel 4 would ensure the maximum possible audience across the UK and Ireland for a finale featuring drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, pitched as ‘Lewis v Max: Decider in the Desert’.

EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky Stephen van Rooyen said: “Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport. We’ve chosen to gift the race to the whole country at Christmas through our partnership with Channel 4, so everyone can be part of a huge national moment as Lewis Hamilton goes for a historic eighth World Championship title. The brilliant Sky Sports Formula 1 team will give viewers on Channel 4 and Sky Sports the best insight, commentary and analysis of every twist and turn of this most eagerly anticipated final race of the season. Additionally all Sky TV customers will have live coverage of the important qualifying session on Saturday, and the race on Sunday – which we will also show live on Sky Showcase.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We are excited that Sky will make the Grand Prix on Sunday available to Channel 4 viewers so everyone can tune in live for the thrilling finale to this epic season. Sky’s passion for Formula 1 is incredible and this generous gesture shows their love of the sport and the millions of fans in the UK. We are all looking forward to Sunday and hope all the fans will be glued to their screens.”