Coulthard drops hint about Channel 4's F1 coverage in 2019

David Coulthard has seemingly confirmed on Twitter that Channel 4's Formula 1 highlights show will remain in the hands of his Whisper Films production company. Few details about C4's coverage have been released since it was confirmed that all but one race will be taken off free-to-air television in the UK next year.

Channel 4 will broadcast the British grand Prix live, but all other 20 races will be confined to highlights for fans unable, or unwilling to pay for a costly Sky Sports subscription.

F1's global research director Matt Roberts recently suggested in a Reddit Q+A that the highlights shows will be given prominent prime-time slots.

Live F1 coverage had been due to fall off terrestrial airwaves completely next year after Sky struck an exclusive deal with Bernie Ecclestone.

That deal has not only denied the majority of British viewers the chance of watch live races from next year, but also has prevented Liberty Media from releasing F1 TV Pro on British shores.

Channel 4's F1 viewing figures have often dwarfed those of satellite station Sky, and Liberty will likely face scrutiny over a dwindling television audience in a key market, having come under fire for a similar drop in Italy this year caused by the loss of free-to-air coverage in the homeland of Ferrari.

Sky has held rights to all races since 2012, but fans have often been put off by the cost of yearly subscriptions.

Channel 4 has aired a selection of 10 races live per season since acquiring partial rights from the BBC in 2016.

Production was undertaken by Whisper Films – part-owned by Coulthard, who has worked as a pundit on the coverage.

And it would appear that the same team will remain in charge of C4's action, after Coulthard sent a tweet regarding a change in Ferrari's press team, and how it would impact his 2019 plans.

Excellent news for the Scuderia, personally I am looking forward to working with Silvia on behalf of @C4F1 to deliver for the @ScuderiaFerrari fans and the wider @F1 fans https://t.co/gaqgo2sWuF — David Coulthard (@therealdcf1) January 25, 2019

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