Watch the 2024 British Grand Prix free: why Channel 4 has live F1 coverage
Full details on Channel 4's live and free-to-watch schedule for the 2024 British Grand Prix, including start times and who to expect in the commentary booth
Is there anything better than a free grand prix?
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Live coverage of the British Grand Prix will be free to watch again this year, with every F1 session of the race weekend broadcast as it happens on Channel 4. It’s the only GP of the season that doesn’t require a subscription to view in real time.
In 2023, the free-to-air broadcaster penned a new deal with Sky Sports F1 — which has the UK and Ireland broadcasting rights — which means that British viewers will continue to be able to watch their home grand prix on free-to-air TV until at least 2026, in addition to highlights of all races.
Coverage will begin shortly ahead of Free Practice 1 on Friday July 5 at 12.25pm, and will continue through qualifying on Saturday July 6 at 2pm the 52-lap race on Sunday July 7 at 1.30pm. Much like Sky’s F1 coverage, there will be a different commentary team for each session — opening up multiple points of opinion.
As usual, Channel 4 will also be broadcasting highlights of both qualifying and the race on the corresponding days of each event — so you really can’t miss a moment of the action!
Channel 4’s full schedule for the 2024 British Grand Prix
All times in BST
| Friday 5 July | Saturday 6 July | Sunday 7 July | |
| F1 | Free Practice 1 — 12.25pm Free Practice 2 — 3.55pm |
Free Practice 3 — 11.25am Qualifying — 2pm Qualifying highlights — 11.10pm |
British GP build-up — 1.30pm British GP — 2.30pm British GP highlights — 11.50pm |
Who is in the F1 commentary team for Channel 4?
Steve Jones (left), Mark Webber (middle) and David Coulthard (right) have been headlining Channel 4’s F1 coverage since 2016
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The experienced duo of Alex Jacques and David Coulthard are expected to be in the commentary box for the British Grand Prix while Channel 4’s coverage will continue to be led by Steve Jones.
The Welsh actor and presenter has been at the forefront of numerous shows on Channel 4 and was given the reins of the free-to-air channel’s coverage when C4 acquired the rights in 2016.
He’ll be joined by renowned journalist and presenter Lee McKenzie for qualifying and the grand prix. McKenzie will helm the coverage of the three free practice sessions alongside former F1 drivers David Coulthard and Mark Webber as well as former junior racers Billy Monger and Alice Powell.
Who does the F1 grid walk for Channel 4?
While Martin Brundle is the undisputed king when it comes to F1’s race day grid walks, Channel 4 sends David Coulthard among the throng on the grid, and he typically takes the lead during live coverage of the British Grand Prix, marching through the crowd in a bid to talk to drivers and celebrities alike.
The grid walk has not been officially confirmed in Channel 4’s race weekend schedule, but may be a part of the British Grand Prix build-up which begins at 1.30pm.