BBC could lose F1 rights after 32 years with rival broadcaster 'actively exploring' bid

The BBC could be about to surrender yet another sporting staple.

The BBC could be about to lose their F1 radio broadcast rights (Image: Getty)

The BBC have been providing radio coverage of Grand Prix weekends for more than three decades, but that could be about to end. While the exclusive TV rights are with Sky Sports, listeners are currently able to tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for live and uninterrupted commentary as well as expert analysis. The BBC have held the radio rights since 1994, but they could soon lose that privilege with a rival broadcaster weighing up a bid of their own.

talkSPORT are best known for their football coverage, but the station's head Liam Fisher says he is seriously considering the possibility of adding F1 to their portfolio.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: "It's another brilliant set of rights. I wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't actively exploring whether there's an opportunity.

talkSPORT are hoping to snatch the F1 radio rights for themselves (Image: Getty)

"We think the audience goes quite well with the talkSPORT audience. We think there's an opportunity for us to deliver really good amplification for it as well.

"Football still is our bread and butter, but we've definitely looked to extend it on the basic understanding that, even if football is your first, second, and third sport, you are probably into something else as well.

"So our strategy has been to pick off the events where we believe there is an audience potential that sits well with what we're providing."

talkSPORT won't be able to land the F1 broadcast rights until at least 2028, with the BBC deal expiring at the end of next season.

Losing their Grand Prix coverage would represent another significant blow for the BBC, who have already scaled down their sport coverage over the last few years.

They recently lost the Boat Race and Commonwealth Games to Channel 4 and TNT Sports respectively. Last month, they decided to cancel long-running winter sport programme Ski Sunday after nearly 50 years.

The BBC previously opted to axe Football Focus, while there are also plans to scrap sport bulletins on their news channels as part of a ruthless cost-cutting initiative.

Sweeping job losses were widely reported just weeks ago, with around 41 sport roles being cut and only five new positions being opened.

Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy