Major broadcasting change as Formula E returns to free-to-air TV with new-look presenting team

FORMULA E has announced a major change to its broadcast rights that will see it return to free-to-air TV.

The motorsport had previously been shown on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 before it was effectively placed behind a paywall on TNT Sports for the first time in its 10-year history.

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Formula E have announced a major partnership with ITV[/caption]

It has now been announced it will return to ITV for the 2024/25 season, with live broadcasts and highlights being available on the ITVX app and ITV4.

That includes the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 7.

Formula E chief media officer, Aarti Dabas, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.

“With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike.

“We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”

The channel switch will also see a new-look presenting line-up, with sacked BBC star Jermaine Jenas also dropped from his role on the all-electric racing series.

Pioneering presenter Nicki Shields will return to lead the line-up and will become the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.

She has been a prominent figure both on and off the track since making her debut in 2014, and was the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy in its 2024 debut season.

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On her new role, Shields said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong.

“I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world.

“With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”

She will be joined by racing drivers Billy Monger and Catie Munnings on the team, as well as sports commentator Tom Brooks.

Pundits who will appear throughout the season will include David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Andre Lotterer, James Rossiter and Alan McNish.

Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Rendell are also returning as pitlane reporters.

Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds admitted before the London season finale that the move to place the racing series behind a paywall had led to “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”.

Pascal Wehrlein was crowned as champion last season, narrowly beating Mitch Evans by six points.