The world of motorsport is abuzz with excitement as RTL makes its return to the live broadcasting of Formula 1 races, commencing the 2025 season. After ceasing its live coverage following the 2020 season, RTL is back, and this time it's equipped to show seven of the season's races for free on television. This revival marks the continuation of RTL’s partnership with Sky Deutschland, which began last year with the return of select races after more than two decades of uninterrupted coverage.
The eagerly anticipated F1 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, 2025. While RTL will not broadcast this race, its coverage will officially begin with the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23, where fans can look forward to catching all the action live at 8 AM (local time at 3 PM). This comeback has fans thrilled after RTL went silent on F1 broadcasts, with 2023 marking the first year since the early 1990s without any of the races shown on free TV.
RTL will resurface with veteran commentators Heiko Waßer and Christian Danner behind the mic, bringing familiar voices back to the homes of motorsport fans. Their insights and rapport during the races are part of what makes the F1 viewing experience special. Conversely, Sky will cover the full suite of races, including covering all sessions—qualifying, sprint races, and main events—with Sascha Roos leading the commentary team, supported by seasoned experts like Ralf Schumacher, Timo Glock, and former world champion Nico Rosberg.
This year, RTL’s coverage extends beyond just the main races. They will also handle eleven qualifying sessions and one sprint race. The Formula 1 calendar includes 24 thrilling races, with RTL spotlighting events located across various captivating cities worldwide. Apart from the major events, the Belgian Grand Prix is particularly notable as it will see RTL show both the qualifying rounds and the sprint alongside the main event. This allows fans to engage with numerous aspects of the races, fueling their passion for the sport.
The full list of races slated for RTL’s free-TV coverage includes the following: the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23, the Emilia-Romagna GP on May 18, the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, the Canadian GP on June 15, the Belgian GP on July 27, the Dutch GP on August 31, and wrapping up with the Las Vegas GP on November 22.
For those interested in viewing Formula 1 action without subscription hassles, RTL offers options for streaming, albeit at a cost. Their Basic model for streaming is priced at €5.99 per month, and they also provide higher-tier packages at €8.99 which deliver enhanced content. Unlike the free broadcasts, this streaming service provides fans with more flexibility, allowing them to follow races on multiple devices.
Overall, the collaboration with Sky serves as the backbone for RTL's F1 return, reflecting the growing interest and investment in Formula 1’s broadcast rights. The soaring costs of broadcasting these high-profile events means strategic partnerships are now the norm rather than the exception. RTL’s streamlined approach aims to bring thrilling motorsport entertainment back to its viewers—a significant achievement considering the challenges posed by skyrocketing media rights and the transition away from free-to-air television.
While RTL brings its unique flavor of commentary and viewer engagement, Sky's coverage will cater to die-hard fans wanting comprehensive insights and analyses not only on races but also on strategies employed by teams and drivers. This holistic approach strengthens the overall presentation, keeping viewers informed, entertained, and connected throughout the season.
The question now is whether RTL's arrangement will pave the way for even greater involvement with Formula 1 broadcasts beyond the current contract period set to expire by 2027. Should fan engagement remain strong, you wouldn't want to miss the excitement building around motorsport for years to come.
With the backdrop of such passionate fanfare, enthusiasm remains high for this cherished sport, and as teams and drivers gear up for the first race of the 2025 season, everyone is eager to see the action they’ve long awaited. Whether tuning in for the semi-annual classics or the latest within each race weekend, Formula 1 continues to prove its dominance and dedication to showcasing breathtaking competition.
So mark your calendars, Formula 1 enthusiasts—grab your snacks, and prepare for the roar of engines as RTL and Sky bring the races straight to your screens!