Where you can watch Formula 1 depends on where you live and which races you want to see

Formula 1 broadcasts are licensed country by country, so the streaming service, cable channel, or broadcaster that carries races varies by location. In the United States, ESPN+ holds the streaming rights and shows all races live. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 is the primary broadcaster, though some races air on Channel 4. Other countries have different arrangements — Canada uses TSN and Sportsnet, Australia uses Foxtel and Kayo Sports, and so on. Before you pay for any subscription, you need to know which service actually broadcasts F1 in your country.

The official F1 TV service exists in some regions but not others. Where it is available — including parts of Europe, Latin America, and Asia — it offers live race coverage, practice sessions, may have access to, and on-demand replays. The cost and what is included varies by region. In regions where F1 TV is not available, you will need to use the local broadcaster instead.

Key Takeaways

  • F1 broadcasting rights are sold separately in each country, so the service you need depends entirely on where you live.
  • ESPN+ in the United States, Sky Sports in the UK, and F1 TV in select regions are the main options, but your country may have a different broadcaster.
  • Most F1 subscriptions include live races, practice sessions, and may have access to, though some tiers offer only highlights or delayed broadcasts.
  • You can usually find which broadcaster holds rights in your country by searching "F1 [your country]" or checking the official Formula 1 website for your region.

ESPN+ in the United States

ESPN+ is the primary way to watch Formula 1 in the United States. The service streams all races live, including practice sessions and may have access to rounds. ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month as a standalone subscription, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for a higher monthly fee. The bundle options change periodically, so check ESPN's website for current pricing.

ESPN+ requires you to create an account and read the app or use a web browser to watch. You can stream on multiple devices, though the number of simultaneous streams varies by subscription tier. If you have cable or satellite TV with ESPN included, you may be able to authenticate your ESPN+ account using your cable login to unlock additional content, though this depends on your cable provider.

Commentary is in English, and races are broadcast live during their scheduled times. If you cannot watch live, ESPN+ stores races in its on-demand library, though the exact retention period is not specified publicly.

Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom

Sky Sports F1 is a dedicated channel within the Sky Sports package in the UK. You must subscribe to Sky's broader TV service to access it — F1 coverage is not sold separately. Sky offers various bundles that include F1, with pricing starting around £20 per month for sports packages, though prices vary based on what other channels you add.

Sky also offers NOW, a streaming-only service that includes access to Sky Sports channels without a long-term contract. A Sky Sports membership on NOW costs around £34.99 per month or £399 per year, but these prices change and may vary by promotion. NOW allows you to stream on multiple devices and watch live or on-demand.

Some races are also broadcast on Channel 4, which is free-to-air in the UK. Channel 4 typically shows highlights rather than live coverage, and the races it broadcasts rotate throughout the season. You can check the Channel 4 schedule to see which races are free to watch.

F1 TV where it is available

The official F1 TV service operates in select countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. It is not available in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Where it exists, F1 TV offers two tiers: F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access.

F1 TV Pro includes live broadcasts of all races, practice, and may have access to sessions, plus on-demand replays, classic race archives, and exclusive F1 content. F1 TV Access is a lower-cost option that includes on-demand replays and highlights but not live broadcasts. Pricing varies by country — for example, F1 TV Pro costs around €9.99 per month in some European countries, but this varies. Check the F1 TV website for your specific region to see current pricing and what tier is available.

F1 TV requires an account and works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs. You can stream on multiple devices simultaneously depending on your subscription tier.

Other broadcasters by region

Canada uses TSN and Sportsnet to broadcast F1, with coverage split between the two services depending on the race. Australia offers F1 through Foxtel and Kayo Sports. New Zealand uses Sky Sport. India uses Hotstar. Japan uses DAZN and Fuji Television. These services have their own pricing, apps, and features — some offer live coverage, others show highlights, and some bundle F1 with other sports.

To find the correct broadcaster in your country, search "Formula 1 [your country]" or visit the official Formula 1 website and select your region from the dropdown menu. The site will direct you to the local broadcaster and often includes links to their subscription pages.

What is typically included in F1 subscriptions

Most F1 subscriptions include live race broadcasts, practice sessions, and may have access to rounds. The difference between services usually comes down to whether you get live coverage or only highlights, whether on-demand replays are included, and what additional content is available.

Premium tiers often include multiple camera angles, pit lane channels, or driver radio feeds. Some services offer a second screen experience where you can watch different feeds simultaneously. Lower-cost or free tiers may show only the main broadcast or highlights after the race ends. Check the specific broadcaster's website in your country to see what each tier includes before you subscribe.

Timing and race schedules

Formula 1 races take place on weekends throughout the year, typically from March through December, though the exact calendar changes annually. Races are scheduled at different times depending on where they are held — a race in Europe might start in the afternoon UK time, while a race in Asia or Australia starts in the evening or early morning for UK viewers.

Most broadcasters publish the full season schedule on their websites, including start times in your local timezone. If you are considering a subscription, check the schedule to see whether race times work with your availability. Some services offer both live and on-demand viewing, which gives you flexibility if you cannot watch at the scheduled time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 for free anywhere?

Some races are broadcast free-to-air in certain countries. In the UK, Channel 4 shows selected races for free, though not all of them. Other countries may have free broadcasts on their national broadcasters, but this varies by region. Check your local broadcaster's schedule to see which races, if any, are free to watch.

Do I need a VPN to watch F1 from another country?

Using a VPN to access a streaming service from outside its licensed region violates the service's terms of use. Broadcasters license F1 rights for specific countries, and they enforce geographic restrictions. If you travel or relocate, you will need to use the broadcaster in your current location.

Can I watch F1 on my phone or tablet?

Yes, most F1 broadcasters offer apps for smartphones and tablets. ESPN+, Sky Sports NOW, F1 TV, and other regional services all have mobile apps. You can read the app, log in with your subscription, and stream races live or on-demand on your device.

What happens if I miss a race?

Most F1 subscriptions include on-demand replays of races after they air live. The length of time replays remain available varies by service — some keep them indefinitely, others remove them after a set period. Check your broadcaster's terms to see how long replays are stored.

Are practice sessions and may have access to included in F1 subscriptions?

Most F1 subscriptions include live practice and may have access to sessions along with the race. However, some lower-cost tiers or free broadcasts show only the race itself. Check what your specific subscription tier includes before you sign up.