LONDON: Two of the UK鈥檚 biggest broadcasters have reached an agreement to share the rights to show the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sky Sports, which requires viewers to pay a subscription fee, reached the deal with free-to-air Channel 4 just days ahead of Sunday鈥檚 race, which has been billed as a 鈥渉istoric鈥� Formula 1 clash that will see two of the sport鈥檚 top drivers face off.

Britain鈥檚 Lewis Hamilton and Dutchman Max Verstappen, both currently level on points, will battle it out for the World Championship title.

If Hamilton wins, he will claim his eighth world title. Verstappen is aiming for his first.

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky鈥檚 EVP and CEO UK & Europe, said: 鈥淪unday鈥檚 Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport. We鈥檝e chosen to gift the race to the whole country at Christmas through our partnership with Channel 4, so everyone can be part of a huge national moment as Lewis Hamilton goes for a historic eighth World Championship title.

鈥淭he brilliant Sky Sports Formula 1 team will give viewers on Channel 4 and Sky Sports the best insight, commentary and analysis of every twist and turn of this eagerly anticipated final race of the season.鈥�