Skysports launches 2026 F1 coverage and new TV features for fans
Sunday at 4: 00 a. m. ET, millions of Formula 1 viewers in the UK and Ireland will start seeing expanded live access and on-screen features after a Sky announcement — branded coverage that includes Tate McRae’s new title song and a TV sidebar designed to surface in-race data and replays. The skysports rollout begins with the Australian Grand Prix, with build-up from 2: 30 a. m. ET.
Skysports F1 gives viewers live access to every practice, qualifying and race
Fans who subscribe will be able to watch every round of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend and continuing through the full 24-race calendar. Sky confirmed the service remains the place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race live and that its broadcast partnership extends through to 2029.
Tate McRae’s ‘Just Keep Watching’ set as new F1 title song on Sky Sports
The 2026 package includes a new title track: Tate McRae’s ‘Just Keep Watching’ will serve as the coverage’s theme. Sky highlighted the song as part of the network’s refreshed presentation for the season, pairing the music with an expert on-air line-up and broadcast innovations aimed at increasing viewer engagement as new cars and rule changes come into play.
Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q users to receive an immersive in-race sidebar
Subscribers using Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q will see a new immersive sidebar appear during race weekends. The sidebar will feature Race Control, Recap functionality for re-watching key overtakes, in-race standings, dedicated driver and team pages with onboard cams and enhanced data, and improved homepage navigation. That boost will be added for customers at no extra cost while they keep Sky Sports.
Still, the rollout timing beyond the Australian Grand Prix is limited: Sky says the sidebar and related upgrades will be available later this season, but no exact launch date has been provided. Non-subscribers can access Sky Sports channels with a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership for contract-free viewing of the F1 coverage.
Yet, viewers should note session start times for the opening weekend: Australian GP practice and qualifying items populate the schedule ahead of Sunday’s main race — the build-up begins at 2: 30 a. m. ET and the Australian Grand Prix is scheduled for 4: 00 a. m. ET on Sunday. The broadcast schedule also includes race reaction shows and highlights running after the live finish.
For now, the combination of music, a full slate of live sessions and an interactive TV sidebar is positioned to deepen engagement as the 2026 season introduces new cars and rule changes; Sky emphasized that viewership has been increasing year-on-year and that 2026 promises to be even bigger with those competitive shifts.
If Sky sets and announces a firm launch date for the sidebar and upgraded features, subscribers can expect the new elements to arrive later this season.
