ESPN Opts for Sky’s Formula 1 Coverage

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Fans of Formula One in the United States will watch coverage on ESPN and ABC courtesy of Sky Sports in 2018.

The two American network channels will use Sky’s services for all 21 of the scheduled races this season. The move brings back a bit of nostalgia as ABC was the first channel in America to broadcast an F1 race in 1962.

The coverage that can be expected for Americans will come from a variety of former F1 drivers, including Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Johhny Herbert, Paul di Resta and Anthony Davidson.

As it stands, Sky leads the way as an entertainment company in Europe, with 22.5 million customers spanning across Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom.

“We are excited to work with the Sky Sports team,” said Kate Jackson, ESPN coordinating producer, motorsports. “Their coverage of F1 is second to none and we look forward to bringing their expertise and authenticity to our audiences.”

Scott Young, Head of Formula One at Sky Sports, added: “We are delighted to be working with ESPN and ABC, and with this partnership extend Sky Sports F1’s award-winning coverage overseas. Each season we look to find new ways to improve the broadcast and entertain our viewers and this year will be no different.”

About Joey Barnes 597 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.