Channel 4 and Sky Sports have today confirmed their 2017 Formula One calendar picks. The picks are as follows:
2017 Schedule Details
March 27th – Australia (Melbourne) – Sky
April 9th – China (Shanghai) – Sky
April 16th – Bahrain (Sakhir) – Channel 4 and Sky
April 30th – Russia (Sochi) – Channel 4 and Sky
May 14th – Spain (Barcelona) – Sky
May 28th – Monaco (Monaco) – Channel 4 and Sky
June 11th – Canada (Montreal) – Sky
June 25th – Europe (Baku) – Channel 4 and Sky
July 9th – Austria (Red Bull Ring) – Sky
July 16th – Britain (Silverstone) – Channel 4 and Sky
July 30th – Hungary (Budapest) – Sky
August 27th – Belgium (Spa) – Channel 4 and Sky
September 3rd – Italy (Monza) – Sky
September 17th – Singapore (Marina Bay) – Channel 4 and Sky
October 1st – Malaysia (Sepang) – Channel 4 and Sky
October 8th – Japan (Suzuka) – Sky
October 22nd – USA (Circuit of the Americas) – Channel 4 and Sky
October 29th – Mexico (Mexico City) – Sky
November 12th – Brazil (Interlagos) – Sky
November 26th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – Channel 4 and Sky
Other than the picks themselves, the main piece of news to come out of the press releases is that Channel 4’s live races will continue to air uninterrupted from lights out to chequered flag, which is great news for fans. Neither press release mentions personnel details, I would expect any changes to be announced closer to the start of the season.
Sky’s press release is the usual format, the corporation touting heavily the launch of Formula 1 in ultra high-definition. The press release also mentions some of their usual supplementary programming such as GP2, GP3 and The F1 Report (which has essentially now replaced The F1 Show).
Channel 4’s Head of F1 Stephen Lyle said: “Following a thrilling first year covering Formula One, we’re delighted to reveal our schedule for the 2017 season. Once again our team will bring extensive coverage of every race with The Monaco Grand Prix, Great Britain and the finale in Abu Dhabi among our ten Live race weekends. It’s a particular delight to welcome Monaco back to terrestrial television Live, for the first time in five years.”
Sky’s Head of F1 Martin Turner said: “With UHD it’s Formula 1 like you’ve never seen it before. It will be the hardest, fastest, loudest season in years with new rules, new cars, new engines and new, massive tyres. From the opening Grand Prix of the year to the season’s home-stretch, Sky Sports F1 remains the definitive place for fans to see every twist and turn of the season.”
Compared to my predictions post, I managed to get 12 out of the 20 picks correct, which is not bad, a bit less than last year mind! My prediction was that Channel 4 would pick Canada after Britain and Abu Dhabi. Instead, it looks like that either USA or Monaco as their third pick, with the other being their fourth pick. The picks are a big change compared to the past few years. It is the first time Monaco has been live on free-to-air television since 2012, and the first for Singapore since 2013. It’s also the first time the US Grand Prix is airing live on free-to-air television since it returned to the calendar, which is really good news in my view.
Motorsport Broadcasting 
Awesome to see Monaco, Singapore and USA on C4’s list
One of the best pick orders that I can remember. I always say that Monaco is just a marketing trick because Canada was available and that is one of the highest rated Grands Prix of the season but I believe a strong battle in USA could see stronger numbers, due to the extra hour delay. It will be an interesting year and I hope the battle at the front is just as good. My only hope was that Australia and Japan due to the fact both races fall under the 90 minute mark and the timezone offset means, 6am starts.
Fantastic picks there from Channel 4.
No to exclusive pay-tv rights in 2019.
No to exclusive pay-tv rights in 2019
So pleased that Monaco & Singapore are back on free to air for the first time since 2012 ! Even more pleased that USA will be live for the first time ever since Austin joined the calendar ! It’s refreshing to see a few different races getting live showings this time around !
With regard to the Australian (Melbourne) GP I think you’ll find that 27th March 2017 is a Monday. I assume you mean 26th March?
The pick of races on Channel 4 obviously can’t please all of the people all of the time, but here’s my take on it all. C4 will be screening a live race until 3 races in. The phrase strike while the iron is hot has some credence here. Australia will be one of the most anticipated season openers in years given its the first race (we all like to catch the first one live right 😴) & the unpredictability of new cars now with a whole bunch of new regs. So I figure Oz should be on the ‘live’ list – dropping Sochi. Italy has racing blood running thru’ it’s veins – lose Baku. Brazil & Japan should be in there – leaving out Austria & Abu Dhabi????
What no canada?