The 110th Indianapolis 500, one of motorsport's premier spectacles, is set to be broadcast in the UK via Sky Sports F1. The race is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, with coverage commencing at 4:30 PM BST**. This coincides with Formula 1's Canadian Grand Prix on the same day, creating a significant motorsport double-header for UK viewers.
Comprehensive Broadcast Schedule
Sky Sports F1 will provide extensive coverage leading up to the main event. Practice sessions are slated to begin on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with subsequent practice and qualifying sessions detailed across the preceding weeks. Notable events include:
Practice Sessions: Multiple practice sessions will air throughout May, with specific timings varying. Some sessions may be broadcast on Sky Sports Mix or Sky Sports Action depending on scheduling conflicts with other motorsport coverage.
Qualifying: Qualifying for the Indy 500 will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Race Day: The 110th Running of the Indy 500 is set to start at 5:30 PM BST on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
For those without a traditional Sky subscription, NOW offers streaming options, allowing viewers to watch the Indy 500 and other Sky Sports content without a long-term contract.
Historical Context and Broader Reach
This arrangement continues the trend of Sky Sports F1 being the primary UK broadcaster for the Indy 500, a role it has fulfilled for previous editions, including the 107th, 108th, and 109th runnings. In prior years, broadcasts have also utilized Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Action for certain practice and qualifying sessions. Notably, in 2024, the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel offered a free live broadcast of the 108th Indianapolis 500 within the UK, a move that provided a wider, freely accessible platform for the event.
Read More: Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami Grand Prix, Extends Unbeaten Streak
Globally, the IndyCar Series is available in over 200 countries and territories, with specific broadcasters listed for regions including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Asia and South America. For Canadian viewers, TSN platforms typically carry the Indy 500, while Australian audiences have historically been able to watch via Stan Sport. The use of VPN services is often suggested for viewers outside their licensed territories seeking to access streams.
The Indy 500 itself is a cornerstone event, with its 200-lap, 500-mile format drawing significant attention. Its placement on the motorsport calendar sometimes creates a dramatic juxtaposition with Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix, allowing teams like McLaren the theoretical possibility of competing for legs of motorsport's famed 'Triple Crown' on the same day. The race is steeped in tradition, including the post-victory milk chugging, a practice dating back to the 1930s. For the 2026 edition, the introduction of hybrid energy recovery system powertrains is a notable technological advancement.
Read More: Keir Starmer faces Labour party anger after weak speech
