Sky Sports confirm huge change to F1 2026 coverage for specific customers

Sky Sports are introducing an innovative new feature to their Formula 1 coverage in 2026 - but only for specific customers.

Sky have held live rights to F1 in the UK since 2012, with the BBC's exclusive contract having expired at the end of the 2011 season.

BBC continued to show 10 live F1 races per season until 2015, before backing out of their deal three years early as part of cost-cutting measures.

Just like with their football and cricket coverage, Sky have managed to build up an all-star presenting and punditry line-up, coupled with regularly updating their output and adding new F1-themed shows to the mix.

They have made fewer changes to their coverage this year than perhaps in the past, with Danica Patrick the only omission from the confirmed list of pundits, presenters and commentators for 2026.

There is also integration with Apple TV, who are F1's exclusive rights holders in the United States from 2026 onwards.

And fans can once again access live onboard cameras from all 22 drivers - up from 20 due to the addition of Cadillac as a new constructor - during practices, qualifying and the race.

2009 world champion Jenson Button, Naomi Schiff and Simon Lazenby will all feature on Sky's F1 coverage in 2026 (Image: Getty)

But there is one other significant change that will only affect certain Sky customers.

A new sidebar is being introduced during race weekends, which will allow users to look at in-race standings, enhanced data and view Race Control details while still watching the live action.

The innovation will be introduced later this season - a specific date is yet to be announced - but only for Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q customers.

A Sky press release states: "New for 2026, fans can look forward to even more flexibility and choice with a new immersive sidebar for TV viewing during race weekends.

"Features will include Race Control, Recap and in-race standings plus dedicated driver and team pages with onboard cams, enhanced data explainers and improved homepage navigation.

"The feature will be available later this season for Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q customers."

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