The challenge facing Channel 4's F1 coverage

Formula 1 is heading for new territory this season with the UK free-to-air rights leaving the BBC for pastures new at Channel 4.

Under the deal, Channel 4 has picked up the remaining three years of the BBC's contract, and this season will screen 10 races live and the other 11 as highlights.

David Coulthard is making the move (he also owns a stake in the company that will be looking after the production), but the rest of the presentation team has yet to be confirmed.

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams, former commentator Murray Walker, three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, Coulthard and Autosport F1 reporter Lawrence Barretto give their views on the challenges facing Channel 4.

Claire Williams
Williams deputy team principal

Williams reckons some of the unsung heroes should have a louder voice © LAT

"From my knowledge and experience of Channel 4, which is pretty much just watching television at home, they have the budget to spend on these kinds of projects.

"Any change like that always shakes things up a bit and that can only be a good thing for the coverage of Formula 1 in the UK.

"Any broadcaster coming into F1, like Sky has done, has to get behind the scenes of the championship because that's really important for the fans, to keep them engaged.

"When I talk to people and tell them it takes 500 people to get the cars to the grid, they are shocked. They don't realise that's the case.

"The drivers and cars are the heroes of our sport and that's wonderful, but there are so many personalities behind the scenes which a broadcaster can focus on. Their story is important.

"This is an opportunity, a chance to have a different take, get a different perspective and have some fresh eyes on Formula 1. It's exciting."

Murray Walker
Ex-BBC and ITV F1 commentator

"First and foremost I'm a fan of Formula 1, so I consider myself very fortunate that nowadays we get coverage of all practice sessions, plus qualifying and the race. It's never been this good.

"It was enormously sad that the BBC ended its association with F1, but it's absolutely vital F1 stays on free-to-air, not only for the fans but also the sponsors.

Walker thinks that some of F1's intricacies could be better explained © LAT

"I remember the then BBC head of sport used to say F1 is the most difficult sport to commentate on and watch because it's so complicated technically and because so much happens outside the view of someone sitting in the grandstand.

"That's why the commentator is needed more for F1 than any other sport.

"I find all this business about which tyre the drivers are on to be very confusing and it's not helpful for my understanding of what's going on.

"So I would like there to be some system for the viewer to be told what tyres each driver is using and how it will effect their chances."

Sir Jackie Stewart
Three-time world champion and ex-ABC commentator

"Motor racing has the biggest draw of any sport in the world because most people drive or have been driven in a road car.

"There needs to be more features which highlight the speed of a Formula 1 car, for example comparing the acceleration and braking of an F1 car against a street car.

"Get them on a stretch of motorway to see the speed difference in reaching 70mph and then stopping distance when they hit the brakes. Show the g-forces, too.

Should viewers be allowed to follow the likes of Lewis Hamilton into motorhomes? © LAT

"Visually, that will be impressive and help the casual viewer easily digest how spectacular these cars really are. Then they'll talk about it to their friends.

"The other thing is to get the cameras to go behind the scenes in the paddock, getting inside the motorhomes and trucks and having a look around drivers' rooms and team offices.

"Access is obviously difficult, but if you can make it happen, the fans will love it."

David Coulthard
Ex-F1 driver turned broadcaster

"I'm very fortunate that as an F1 fan, not only did I get to race the cars but now I get to talk about them.

"I would like to think that whether a viewer is interested in the technical, political or lifestyle side, or simply wants to be entertained, Formula 1 can provide the spectacle to deliver something for all.

"The bottom line is Formula 1 is about humans and their machines. We want to see great races and entertainment and that is the backbone of the programme.

"But the way we consume information and are connected with the world has changed.

Using new technologies is an idea that Coulthard wants F1 to buy into © LAT

"We don't all sit round the TV on a Sunday night to watch the big shows. That doesn't mean people aren't watching, they just watch it at a time they choose.

"So rather than watching the big screen in their living room, they're watching on their tablets, computers or mobile phones.

"Change is good and it's a constant part of Formula 1. The challenge is to adapt to that change and use television coverage, apps and social media together to inform and entertain."

Lawrence Barretto
Autosport F1 reporter

Leaving nostalgia aside, the move of Formula 1 free-to-air coverage from the BBC to Channel 4 could and should be seen as an opportunity to improve the show for the fans.

Already, Channel 4 has made some smart moves. It's signed up Mark Wilkin, an F1 editor with proven experience, and the vast majority of the BBC's production team.

The decision to appoint Coulthard as co-commentator was shrewd as he has the knowledge, the contacts and an affinity with the viewers.

The challenge is to ensure it delivers on its goal of innovating and putting its own stamp on the coverage, with at least one new face expected to join the presenting team.

The BBC did a very good job, so Channel 4 doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. But at a time when viewing figures are falling, it must find a way to break down the barriers to F1 and entice the casual viewer to tune in.

It can do that by making the most of the access it will get to Formula 1's big names, finding a balance between talking about sporting matters and the human side.

As has been mentioned above, more work needs to be done to go behind the scenes and give an insight into the areas fans rarely have the chance to see or get close to. Hopefully, Channel 4 will have the freedom to do so.