Formula E’s UK coverage moves back to free-to-air TV, Jenas dropped

Coverage of the Formula E world championship will return to free-to-air TV in the United Kingdom, with all qualifying sessions and races of the 2024-25 season set to be shown live.

Organisers of the all-electric championship confirmed on Friday that all 16 races and qualifying sessions will be broadcast live on ITVX’s free-to-air streaming service, while a total of nine races will be shown live on ITV4.

This includes the season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix, which takes place next weekend on 7 December, the double-headers in Jeddah, Monaco and Tokyo, as well as Miami and the second race in Shanghai.

A highlights show will also be aired on ITV4 and ITVX following every race weekend.

Last season coverage moved to TNT Sports for the first time, effectively placing the broadcast behind a paywall for the first time in the championship’s 10-year history, having previously been shown on free-to-air channels including ITV, Channel 5, BBC and Channel 4.

CEO Jeff Dodds acknowledged ahead of the London season-finale, which was shown on free-to-air channel Quest, that moving the championship behind a paywall produced “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”, although coverage will also still continue on TNT Sports this season for viewers in the UK and Ireland.

Aarti Dabas, chief media officer at Formula E, 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.

Start action, Mitch Evans, Jaguar Racing, Jaguar I-TYPE 6 leads

Photo by: Andreas Beil

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

As well as moving back to free-to-air, Formula E organisers also confirmed that lead presenter Jermaine Jenas would not be retained for a second season.

The former professional footballer was the anchor for Formula E's coverage last season, replacing long-term host Vernon Kay and completing his duties alongside roles for the BBC and other radio broadcasters.

But Jenas was sacked by the BBC in August this year following allegations that he sent "inappropriate messages" to two colleagues on The One Show, which raised questions over his future with Formula E.

A statement from Formula E management said: "As with every off-season, we undergo a thorough and carefully considered evaluation process of our presenter line-up. Jermaine Jenas will not be part of the team for Season 11."

Instead, coverage will be fronted by long-time Formula E correspondent Nicki Shields, who will be joined during the season by ex-Formula 1 drivers David Coulthard and Karun Chandhok, as well as Billy Monger and Catie Munnings amongst others.