The Formula 1 season has kicked off with George Russell securing a win in Melbourne. Throughout 2026, the F1 calendar will span the globe, offering fans an exciting lineup of races. Sky has just announced a significant TV upgrade for its customers, introducing new features aimed at enhancing the live sports viewing experience.
The forthcoming update will bring a fresh interactive dimension for viewers, with a smart sidebar set to appear on screens during race weekends. This sidebar will offer tools like Race Control and Recap, allowing fans to revisit thrilling overtakes and pivotal moments swiftly. Additionally, viewers will have easy access to real-time in-race standings.
In addition to enhanced race interaction, the update will include dedicated driver and team pages, granting fans access to onboard cameras, enriched race data, explanatory content, and improved homepage navigation.
To access these new features, Sky Sports subscribers using Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q devices will receive them at no extra cost. While an exact launch date has not been confirmed, the upgrade is anticipated to be rolled out later in the season.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can catch every practice, qualifying session, and race live by subscribing to Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, currently offered at a discounted rate, saving £336. This package not only includes Sky Sports access but also provides around 100 TV channels and complimentary subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
In a statement sent to Express.co.uk, Sky highlighted the introduction of a new immersive sidebar for TV viewing during race weekends, promising increased flexibility and choice for fans in 2026.
Apart from the F1 upgrade, Sky has unveiled an Ultimate TV subscription plan priced at £24 per month, bundling major streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, Hayu, and the upcoming HBO Max app in the UK. This package is touted as a value-packed deal, combining approximately £20 worth of streaming services under one subscription.
The Ultimate TV plan includes:
– Netflix Standard with Ads
– Disney+ Standard with Ads (from March)
– HBO Max Basic with Ads (from March 26)
– Hayu (available from July, with selected shows accessible from March)
– Over 130 Sky channels
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