German RTL has signed a new deal with rights holder Sky Deutschland. The deal means that seven Grands Prix of Formula 1 will be broadcast for free on the open network.

Exactly which races will be free-to-air on RTL will be announced at a later date. RTL was the rights holder of Formula 1 for many years, but the broadcaster did not renew the contract that expires in 2020. As a result, Sky has held the exclusive rights to the king class of motorsport since 2021. In 2021 and 2022, RTL still broadcast some races on the open network, but not in 2023. So in 2024, that will be the case again and in 2025 too.

Hulkenberg and Marko delighted

Nico Hülkenberg is delighted that RTL has reached an agreement. "Great news. As a German F1 driver, I am of course very happy that the sport will again become visible to the masses in my home country. It is an important step after the sport lost relevance in Germany in recent years."

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko also commented to RTL: "Seven races on free television will certainly help ensure that the growth that characterises Formula 1 worldwide will also have a positive impact in Germany," said the 80-year-old Austrian.