Sports production company Whisper is to continue producing Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage until 2026.
The announcement comes after Channel 4 and Sky agreed a deal last year which keeps Formula 1 coverage on free to air television in the UK until 2026.
Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of the British GP, qualifying and practice rounds as well as highlights of all other F1 races throughout the season.
The award of the contract to Whisper extends its F1 relationship with Channel 4 which began in 2016 when the broadcaster first started covering the sport.
Channel 4 Head of Sport, Pete Andrews, said: “Whisper’s production of our F1 content has been fantastic. They are always striving to improve and deliver the best possible coverage for our audiences and that really came through in a very tough tender process.”
Sunil Patel, CEO and Co-Founder of Whisper said: “Whisper’s founders met while producing F1 for the BBC and we have an absolute passion for motorsport and for delivering sport as entertainment. This project brings all those aspects together, a show that delivers the best action and entertainment from F1, with storytelling at its heart. All under the creative and editorial leadership of Tim Hampel and Kirstie Bennett from our Manchester office.
In 2024 C4F1 will be relaunched, with new features and additional talent being connected to the show.
Channel 4 also said it is committed to reducing emissions from its C4F1 broadcasts. The 2024 C4F1 shows will see a reduction of more than 50% in carbon footprint, compared to 2022.
Whisper will continue to deliver two highlight shows during each race weekend, with five live shows across the British Grand Prix weekend in July. All shows will continue to be produced remotely from the UK.
In 2024, late-night highlight shows will be presented from an immersive studio location in the UK, while European races will be presented from the F1 paddock.
The opening race of the 2024 season is the Formula 1 Gulf Air Grand Prix on 2nd March.
Stephen Nuttall unveiled as new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board
Stephen Nuttall has been appointed as the new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board. Made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC (IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE), the IBC Partnership Board provides the governance and strategic oversight of IBC.
Saleha Williams appointed CEO of IABM
Saleha Williams has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IABM.
Comcast sets leadership team for ‘SpinCo’ cable unit
US media and telco giant Comcast has unveiled the leadership team for SpinCo as it prepares to spin off its cable television portfolio later in the year.
Labour exploring ‘alternative funding options’ to BBC licence fee
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering scrapping the BBC licence fee at the end of the Corporation's current charter in December 2027.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie to head Creative Cities Convention speakers
BBC Director-General Tim Davie has been lined up as one of the key speakers at this year’s Creative Cities Convention, being held from May 7–8 in Bradford as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
