Abu Dhabi F1 title decider to be free-to-air in the UK

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British F1 fans may rejoice, as this weekend's climactic title decider in Abu Dhabi will be broadcasted on free-to-air network Channel 4.

Channel 4 – which typically shows delayed highlights of F1's races – was given access earlier this year to live coverage of the British Grand Prix, and the public-service channel has reached a similar agreement for this weekend's event with Sky Sports F1 which holds the exclusive TV rights for the UK for Formula 1.

Fans in Great Britain but also in Ireland will therefore be able to follow the action as it unfolds this weekend, with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied for points in the Drivers' standings, going head-to-head at Yas Marina in a dramatic showdown.

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But Channel 4 isn't the only network that has been given exceptional free-to-air coverage of F1's season finale, with Dutch broadcaster Ziggosport also showing the action free to its swarm of Verstappen fans in the Netherlands.

Dat is geweldig!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.