Formula 1 Renews Broadcast Deal with Sky New Zealand Through 2028

Sky New Zealand has secured a three-year extension to its Formula 1 broadcast rights, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sport in the country until 2028. This renewal maintains Sky's exclusive rights, which it has held since 2018, to deliver every practice, qualifying session, and race live across its Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now platforms.

Why it matters:

• This extended partnership is crucial for F1's continued growth in New Zealand, especially given the recent surge in local interest.
• The agreement ensures consistent access for fans, from dedicated subscribers to those relying on free-to-air options for key events and highlights.
• It highlights F1's strategy to capitalize on emerging markets and local talent, such as Liam Lawson, to expand its global viewership.

The details:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Sky Sport and its streaming service, Sky Sport Now, will continue to provide live coverage of all practice sessions, qualifying, and races.
• Free-to-Air Access: The Australian Grand Prix will be available on Sky's free-to-air platforms, alongside highlights of all other races.
• Audience Growth: In 2025, F1 garnered over 1.1 million viewers via Sky Sport and free-to-air channels, with nearly 470,000 tuning in digitally through Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.
  • This surge in viewership is partly attributed to the growing popularity of New Zealand's own F1 driver, Liam Lawson.
• Executive Comments:
  • Adam Crothers, Sky's Head of Content Partnerships, emphasized the sport's 'passion, drama, and sheer speed' as key drivers for its prominence in their lineup.
  • Ian Holmes, F1's Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer, noted the 'surge in Kiwi supporters' rallying behind their 'hometown hero' Liam Lawson.
• Broader Motorsport Portfolio: Sky's extensive motorsport coverage also includes Supercars, IndyCar, MotoGP, and WorldSBK, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of motorsport content in New Zealand.

What's next:

With the deal secured, F1 and Sky New Zealand will continue to focus on delivering high-quality broadcast experiences to capitalize on the sport's escalating popularity. The sustained presence of Liam Lawson on the F1 grid, or his continued association with the sport, will likely be a significant factor in maintaining and further growing this engagement over the next three years.