Special association
On free TV: Channel shows Formula 1 for free on weekends
June 2, 2026 – 7:33 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The RTL-Sky merger means there will be a season premiere on free-to-air television.
This weekend RTL will broadcast the Monaco Grand Prix live and free of charge on free TV. It is the Cologne broadcaster’s first Formula 1 broadcast of the current season – made possible by the merger of RTL and the pay channel Sky.
Qualifying on Saturday starts at 4 p.m., RTL starts at 3:15 p.m. The race on Sunday starts at 3 p.m., the broadcast starts at 1:30 p.m. At the microphone are Kai Ebel on the track as well as the commentators Heiko Waßer and Christian Danner. Sky is also broadcasting the Grand Prix.
Also on Saturday, RTL will show the German national team’s World Cup preparation game against co-host USA from 7:05 p.m. Therefore, presenter Florian König will not be at the racetrack, but in the stadium in Chicago.
First impact of the merger of Sky and RTL
As RTL announced, the merger of both broadcasters will enable them to offer a joint program. RTL managing director Inga Leschek, responsible for content, said: “With our first joint Super Sports weekend, we are making it possible for fans to directly experience what the merger of RTL Deutschland and Sky Deutschland means: more live sport, more reach and more opportunities to experience big sporting moments on different platforms.”
RTL Group announced the takeover of Sky in June 2025. The EU Commission approved the deal without any conditions. The aim is to strengthen the position in the streaming and TV market compared to international providers and to expand the subscription business.
RTL and Sky have exchanged rights several times in recent years. Last season, seven races were shown on free TV. However, there had so far been no agreement for the current Formula 1 season.