Grand Prix (TV programme)
British TV programme covering the Formula One World Championship.
Grand Prix (also referred to as Formula One on the BBC or BBC F1 during its second run from 2009 to 2015) is a British television programme covering the Formula One World Championship. It originally aired from 1978 to 1996, then returned from 2009 to 2015, with three main presenters: Murray Walker (1978–1996), Jake Humphrey (2009–2012), and Suzi Perry (2013–2015). The programme is notable for its iconic theme tune, Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain," and for bringing Formula One racing to British audiences through live broadcasts and highlights.
- First broadcast
- 1978 Monaco Grand Prix
- Final broadcast (first run)
- 1996 Japanese Grand Prix
- Second run
- 2009–2015
- Main presenters
- Murray Walker, Jake Humphrey, Suzi Perry
- Occasional hosts
- Steve Rider, Des Lynam, Sue Barker, Lee McKenzie
- Theme tune
- Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain"
- Broadcaster
- BBC
Lore & Background
The programme began after the excitement of the 1976 Formula One season prompted the BBC to cover all races from 1978. The BBC originally wanted Raymond Baxter as commentator, but his commitments to Tomorrow's World and air shows led to Murray Walker getting the job. The first broadcast was the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix, and the show featured Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" as its theme tune. In its early years, most races were commentated from BBC Television Centre in London due to high travel costs, with Murray Walker occasionally flown to tracks to record short scenes before returning to England. The BBC sometimes employed a "ghost commentator"—first Mark Fogarty, then Joe Saward—who accessed timing monitors to help the production team capture off-track action.
Reader's Guide
Grand Prix was a landmark sports programme that brought Formula One to a wide British audience for nearly two decades, then returned for a second run. Its significance lies in its comprehensive coverage of the World Championship, including live broadcasts of key races and highlights of others. The programme adapted to changing broadcasting rights and schedules, with all races shown live in 1995 and all qualifying sessions live in 1996. The loss of rights to ITV ended the first run in 1996, but the BBC regained rights in 2009, airing all races live until 2011, then sharing coverage with Sky Sports from 2012. The programme's legacy includes memorable moments such as Damon Hill winning his only world championship in the final broadcast of the first run, and controversies like the 2010 Korean Grand Prix delay causing viewer complaints. It also launched or featured notable broadcasters including Murray Walker, James Hunt, and later Ben Edwards and Suzi Perry.
Did You Know?
- The programme's iconic theme tune was Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain."
- In early years, most races were commentated from BBC Television Centre in London due to high travel costs.
- The first "ghost commentator" was Mark Fogarty, later replaced by Joe Saward.
- The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix red flag caused 700 fans to complain about the cancellation of Antiques Roadshow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grand Prix (TV programme)?
Grand Prix is a British television show dedicated to covering the Formula One World Championship, delivering live race coverage and highlights to UK viewers. It ran in two separate stretches: 1978–1996 and 2009–2015 (the latter half rebranded as BBC F1).
Who presented Grand Prix on the BBC?
Murray Walker anchored the original 1978–1996 run, Jake Humphrey took the presenting chair from 2009 to 2012, and Suzi Perry filled the role from 2013 to 2015. Occasional hosts such as Steve Rider, Des Lynam, Sue Barker, and Lee McKenzie also appeared on air.
What is the theme tune of Grand Prix?
The show is instantly identifiable by its use of Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain' as its signature musical hook. That single track became one of the most recognizable and beloved elements of the programme for racing fans.
When did Grand Prix first air and when did it end?
The programme debuted live at the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix and wrapped up its first era at the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix. It returned to screens in 2009 and continued broadcasting until 2015.
Why is Grand Prix considered important in British motorsport broadcasting?
It carried Formula One into millions of British living rooms for nearly two decades in its first run, making the sport accessible to casual viewers. The pairing of live commentary, the iconic 'The Chain' theme, and star presenters turned it into a cultural touchstone for UK F1 fandom.
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