F1's TV audience levels fall in the UK

The viewing levels of Formula One have dropped in the UK in 2019 following Sky Sports' new broadcasting contract, according to the Independent. This saw a total fall of 8.6 million viewers.

Sky have the rights to show every single race, qualifying and practice session, whilst channel 4 has dropped to showing just one race in the season, the British GP, resulting in people needing to pay extra to watch the sport through TV.

Sky's deal was pushed through by ex-Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and has seen the companies annual fee double up to £120 million.

The French Grand Prix proved to be one of the least exciting races of the season but it was only that and Japan which saw an increase in viewing figures from 2018.