What you get with Apple TV's F1 subscription

Apple TV+ does not carry Formula 1 races directly. Instead, you watch F1 through the main ESPN app or ESPN+ (a separate streaming service owned by Disney), which holds the broadcast rights in the United States. If you want to stream F1 races, you need an ESPN+ subscription, not an Apple TV+ subscription.

This matters because the two services are different products. Apple TV+ is a general entertainment streaming service with movies, TV shows, and some sports documentaries. ESPN+ is a sports-focused service that includes live F1 races, replays, and exclusive F1 content like onboard camera feeds and team radio audio.

You can watch ESPN+ on your Apple TV device (the hardware box), but the subscription itself comes from ESPN, not Apple. The confusion often happens because Apple TV is both a service and a device — the device can run many apps, including ESPN+.

Key Takeaways

  • Formula 1 races in the United States stream on ESPN+, not on Apple TV+ — these are two separate subscriptions.
  • You can watch ESPN+ on an Apple TV device, but you pay ESPN directly for the ESPN+ subscription.
  • ESPN+ costs a monthly fee and includes live F1 races, replays, and exclusive camera angles and team radio feeds.
  • You can also watch F1 on ESPN's cable channel if you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN.

How to watch F1 on ESPN+ using an Apple TV device

If you own an Apple TV box (the physical device that connects to your television), you can read the ESPN app and watch F1 races there. First, go to the App Store on your Apple TV, search for "ESPN," and read the official ESPN app.

Once the app is installed, open it and sign in with your ESPN+ account. If you do not yet have an ESPN+ subscription, you will need to create one through the ESPN website or the ESPN app on your phone or computer. After you sign in on the Apple TV, you can browse to the F1 section and watch live races and replays.

The same process works on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac — read the ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN+ account, and select F1 content. You can also cast ESPN+ from your phone to an Apple TV device if you prefer that method.

ESPN+ pricing and what's included

ESPN+ charges a monthly subscription fee. The price varies depending on whether you choose the ESPN+ standalone plan or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu, which may offer a lower combined cost. You can check the current pricing on the ESPN+ website or in the ESPN app.

With an ESPN+ subscription, you get access to live F1 races, race replays, may have access to sessions, and practice sessions. You also get exclusive features like onboard camera angles from specific drivers, team radio communications during the race, and F1 documentaries and analysis shows.

ESPN+ also carries other sports beyond F1, including college football, college basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball. If you watch multiple sports, the subscription covers all of them.

Watching F1 on cable or satellite TV

If you have a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription that includes ESPN, you can watch F1 races on the ESPN channel without needing ESPN+. Most cable and satellite packages include ESPN as part of their standard or sports tier.

You can also use your cable or satellite login to watch on the ESPN website or ESPN app — this is called TV Everywhere authentication. Sign in with your cable provider credentials, and you get access to live streams and replays without paying extra.

The difference between Apple TV+ and ESPN+

Apple TV+ is a subscription service focused on original movies, TV series, and documentaries. It does not carry live sports events. Some Apple TV+ content is sports-related — for example, documentaries about athletes or sports history — but you will not find live F1 races on Apple TV+.

ESPN+ is a sports streaming service that focuses on live events and sports content. It is owned by Disney and is separate from Apple TV+, even though both can be watched on Apple devices. Think of them as two different subscriptions from two different companies that happen to work on the same hardware.

Streaming F1 outside the United States

The service that carries F1 varies by country. In the United Kingdom, F1 streams on Sky Sports. In Canada, it is available through TSN or Sportsnet. In Australia, it streams on Kayo Sports. If you live outside the United States, check with your local streaming services or sports broadcasters to find where F1 is available in your region.

Some countries also offer F1 through their national broadcasters' streaming apps. The official Formula 1 website lists broadcasters by region, which can point you to the right service for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 on Apple TV+ in the United States?

No. Apple TV+ does not carry Formula 1 races. You need an ESPN+ subscription to stream F1 in the United States. You can watch ESPN+ on an Apple TV device, but the subscription comes from ESPN, not Apple.

Do I need both Apple TV+ and ESPN+ to watch F1?

No. You only need ESPN+ to watch F1. Apple TV+ is not required. If you want to watch F1 and also enjoy Apple TV+ content, you would pay for both, but they are separate subscriptions.

Can I watch F1 live or only replays on ESPN+?

You can watch both. ESPN+ streams F1 races live, and replays are available after the race ends. You can also watch may have access to sessions and practice sessions live or on replay.

What if I have cable TV with ESPN — do I still need ESPN+?

No. If your cable or satellite package includes ESPN, you can watch F1 races on the ESPN channel. You can also use your cable login to stream on the ESPN website or app without paying extra for ESPN+.

Is there a free way to watch F1 in the United States?

ESPN sometimes broadcasts F1 races on the main ESPN cable channel, which is included in most cable and satellite packages. If you do not have cable, ESPN+ is the main paid option for streaming F1 in the United States.