As of 2019 live Formula One races will no longer be free-to-air in the UK after Sky Sports secured an exclusive deal to broadcast the sport between 2019 and 2024.
Under the terms of the new deal, only the British Grand Prix will be available to watch live without a subscription, with all other rounds set to fall behind Sky's pay wall. Sky will offer highlights packages of all rounds free-to-air, while those willing to pay will have the opportunity to watch in Ultra High Definition from next year onwards.
The deal will bring an end to the current sharing agreement between Sky Sports and Channel 4 whereby half the races have remained free-to-air on Channel 4. Increasingly F1 has been broadcast behind pay walls in its key territories, which is believed to be one of the main factors behind declining viewing figures.
"I am delighted that we will continue to work together," F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone said. "Sky's commitment to the sport and standard of coverage is second to none."
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, added: "This is a brilliant deal that takes Sky's partnership with F1 to the next level. Since 2012, we have demonstrated unrivalled commitment to F1, offering fans innovations including a dedicated channel and the very best broadcasting talent.
"We are absolutely delighted that we are strengthening our coverage for viewers even further, with live and exclusive F1 from 2019 and the chance to watch in Ultra High Definition for the first time from next season. We are pleased to support F1 and look forward to working with them to progress, develop and enhance coverage of the championship during the agreement."
Sky Sports first broadcast F1 in 2012 when the BBC cut short its exclusive deal and agreed to show just half the races live until 2018. Since then the BBC has withdrawn completely, with Channel 4 taking over the free-to-air contract until the end of 2018.