W Series to remain on free-to-air TV in 2021

In line with the championship's mission to promote diversity in motorsport, the on-screen commentary team will consist of equal numbers of women and men.

Lee McKenzie, David Coulthard and Ted Kravitz – who presented the inaugural season in 2019 – will be joined by Anna Woolhouse, Alex Jacques, Amy Reynolds, Billy Monger and Naomi Schiff, who drove in 2019.

Channel 4 will cover all eight races this year – starting at the Red Bull Ring, Austria, on 26 June – when W Series will race in partnership with Formula 1.

Live coverage will be shown across Channel 4's platforms and made available to watch later on demand through the All 4 catch-up service.

W Series CEO Catherine Bond Muir said: "I am delighted that our founding broadcast partner, Channel 4, has reinforced its commitment to showcasing women's sport and our talented racing drivers. Live free-to-air motorsport coverage is rare, but our partnership with Channel 4 is a key part of our plan to create more visible role models to inspire girls and women to be a part of motorsport, whether that is on track, on screen or behind the scenes, and the expertise and insight provided by our brilliant commentary team will be instrumental to our efforts."

Chairman of W Series' Advisory Board David Coulthard added: "The interest in W Series' inaugural season was remarkable and it will only increase this year when W Series races in partnership with Formula 1. With the world watching, the pressure on the drivers will increase this season and I'm looking forward to being part of the commentary team which brings to life their inspirational stories and skills."