RTL to broadcast select Formula 1 races on German free TV in 2026

After withdrawing from free‑to‑air coverage after the 2020 season, German private broadcaster RTL returned to Formula 1 in 2024 through a partnership with rights holder Sky. In 2024 and 2025 RTL showed seven Grand Prix races each year on free TV. For the 2026 season the channel will again air individual races, beginning with the Monaco Grand Prix on 6‑7 June, which was offered free to German viewers.

Sky retains the full German broadcast rights through 2027 and continues to show every race weekend via its pay‑TV sport package, priced at €19.99 per month for a 24‑month contract (rising to €34.50 thereafter). The streaming service WOW also carries the full schedule for €44.99 per month (€29.99 for an annual plan). The 2026 calendar includes 24 Grands Prix, a revised technical regulation, the entry of Cadillac as the 11th team, Sauber’s re‑branding to Audi, the removal of DRS and a shift toward active aerodynamics and higher‑percentage sustainable fuels.