Sky New Zealand Extends Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in Three-Year Deal

Sky New Zealand has secured a three-year extension of its Formula 1 broadcast partnership, ensuring live coverage of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship continues through the 2026 season and beyond.

The deal guarantees Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now will carry every practice, qualifying and race session, while highlights will be available on free-to-air platforms. Notably, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will remain accessible free-to-air, offering broad exposure for one of the most commercially significant races in the region.

The renewal comes amid an outstanding growth in Formula 1’s audience in New Zealand, fuelled by the emergence of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson.

Sky New Zealand reported that more than 1.1 million viewers have engaged with F1 across its broadcast and free-to-air channels in 2025, with an additional 470,000 streaming via Sky Sport Now and Sky Go. The Japanese Grand Prix drew record engagement, attributed to Lawson’s profile and favourable scheduling for New Zealand audiences.

Sharing how broadcaster views Formula 1 as a central property within its sports portfolio, Sky’s Head of Content Partnerships, Adam Crothers, said: “Formula 1 has captured the hearts of New Zealanders like never before… With rising stars like Liam Lawson inspiring a new generation of fans, we’re proud to be bringing world-class motorsport to Kiwi screens.”

For Formula 1, the agreement secures continued reach in a market experiencing strong growth, while also reinforcing its strategy of expanding through local talent.

Sharing how Lawson’s presence has been a catalyst for this growth, F1’s Chief Media Rights and Broadcasting Officer, Ian Holmes, added: “With the advent of Liam Lawson, we continue to see a surge in Kiwi supporters who are tuning in to back their hometown hero.”

The extension reflects the increasing value of Formula 1 rights globally, driven by both star power and shifting viewing habits.

The inclusion of free-to-air highlights and Melbourne Grand Prix coverage provides a balance between subscription revenues and audience growth, maintaining relevance in a small but engaged market.

With New Zealand audiences showing strong appetite for live motorsport and Lawson’s profile set to rise, the rights renewal positions Sky to capture both immediate viewership and long-term fan engagement opportunities.

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