Formula 1 is set to make a grand comeback on German free-to-air television in 2024, much to the delight of German stakeholders and fans. This move comes after a noticeable dip in viewership on Sky Deutschland, the exclusive pay-TV broadcaster for 2023, coinciding with Nico Hulkenberg being the sole German driver and the absence of German races on the F1 calendar.
Sky has struck a new two-year deal with RTL, Germany’s traditional free-to-air broadcaster for Formula 1, to televise seven of the 24 grands prix each season. This development has been welcomed enthusiastically, as evidenced by Kai Ebel, a well-known former RTL commentator. Speaking to the Kolner Express newspaper, Ebel expressed his excitement: “For the first time in my life, I’m at a loss for words. I have various projects already for 2024, but of course, Formula 1 is my life and it would be very nice to work on the grid again. We’d have to talk about it first.”
Hulkenberg, currently Germany’s only representative in F1, also hailed the news. “As a German F1 driver, I am of course pleased that the sport will once again gain visibility among the masses in my home country,” he told RTL. He emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “It’s an important step after the relevance of the sport in this country declined in recent years.”
Even Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, who hails from Austria, shared his thoughts on the matter. “I am very pleased that RTL, which made Formula 1 so popular in Germany, is coming back,” he commented. Marko believes that “Seven races on free TV will certainly help ensure that the boom that is shaping Formula 1 worldwide will also have positive effects in Germany.”
