Ecclestone: No ad breaks key to Channel 4 F1 deal

Bernie Ecclestone says it was important to him F1 was broadcast free-to-air in the UK without ad breaks after Channel 4 took over from the BBC.

The BBC announced on Monday morning it would be terminating its contract to broadcast F1 with immediate effect as part of a drive to save £35million per year. While sad to see the BBC go, Ecclestone hinted the switch to Channel 4 over ITV was due to a promise not to show adverts during the race.

“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," Ecclestone said.

“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 will show ten of the 21 races next season live, while also committing to live coverage of practice and qualifying. The remaining races will be covered in a highlights show.

“Formula One is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences," said David Abraham, Channel 4 chief executive. "I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”

Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt added: “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.”

BBC confirms it is dropping F1 coverage, Channel 4 steps in

Eric Silbermann: A grumpy rear view

Honda exclusive Q&A: Reflections on 2015

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Click here for a gallery of the McLaren MP4-X

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.

Recent Posts

Hamilton: ‘I’m still here fighting - nothing can take me down’

Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions that recent comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff have soured…

1 hour ago

Norris opens up on emotional toll of Brazil title blow

Lando Norris admitted that the aftermath of his crushing defeat in Brazil at the hands…

3 hours ago

Russell slams FIA's deafening silence as GPDA frustrations mount

In a pointed critique that underscores growing tensions between Formula 1 drivers and the sport's…

4 hours ago

‘I’m next in line’: Isack Hadjar’s bid to join Formula 1

Red Bull junior and FIA F2 driver Isack Hadjar is seldom mentioned as a contender…

18 hours ago

Sky F1’s Croft baffled by 'crazy' Wittich ousting

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has admitted to being shocked by the FIA’s sudden…

19 hours ago

Wolff fires another shot at Horner: ‘You can’t rely on what he says’

Toto Wolff has taken a pointed jab at his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner over…

21 hours ago