Formula 1 combines world-class drivers, cutting-edge engineering and iconic circuits in one of motorsport’s most demanding championships. However, the way American fans watch an F1 live stream changed significantly in 2026.
ESPN and ESPN2 are no longer the U.S. broadcasters. Apple TV is now the exclusive American home of Formula 1, showing every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix live and on demand.
In this guide, we explain how to watch Formula 1 in the USA in 2026, how F1 TV Premium works with Apple TV, which sessions can be watched free and what to consider when travelling outside the country.
Last updated on: 14 October 2026
Where can you watch Formula 1 in the USA?
In 2026, Apple TV is the exclusive Formula 1 broadcaster in the United States.
An Apple TV subscription provides live and on-demand access to:
- Every Formula 1 practice session
- Every qualifying session
- Every F1 Sprint
- Every Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Pre-race and post-race coverage
- Full session replays
- Condensed “Race in 30” programmes
- Highlights and additional Formula 1 content
You do not need an Apple device or Apple TV streaming box. The Apple TV app is available on numerous smart televisions, computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices and game consoles.
Watch every F1 race on Apple TV
Apple became Formula 1’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner in 2026 under a five-year agreement.
Apple TV now carries the complete Formula 1 weekend, beginning with the first practice session and continuing through qualifying, the Sprint when scheduled and the Sunday Grand Prix.
Coverage includes English and Spanish commentary. Eligible devices and broadcasts may also support:
- 4K video with Dolby Vision
- 5.1 surround sound
- Live driver onboard cameras
- Driver Tracker
- Real-time telemetry and timing
- Alternative commentary feeds
- Multiview with up to four feeds on screen
- Spoiler-free replays
Device capabilities vary. Features such as 4K, Dolby Vision and Multiview require compatible hardware and a suitable internet connection.
Can you watch F1 on demand?
Yes. Apple TV provides full replays, highlights and shorter Race in 30 programmes.
This is particularly useful for American viewers because many European, Asian and Middle Eastern Grands Prix begin early in the morning in U.S. time zones.
Spoiler-free viewing lets you open the replay without immediately seeing the race result, although you may still want to disable sports notifications on your other devices.
Is F1 TV Premium included with Apple TV?
Yes. F1 TV Premium is included at no additional cost with an Apple TV subscription in the United States.
In the U.S., F1 TV Premium is now accessed through Apple TV rather than purchased as a separate standalone live-racing subscription.
Its specialist viewing features include:
- Multiple driver onboard cameras
- Live timing and telemetry
- Driver Tracker
- Alternative commentary options
- Team-focused Multiview layouts
- Full session replays
- Formula 1’s historic race archive
On supported Apple devices, subscribers can also access live Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup coverage through the F1 TV app using their Apple TV subscription.
Apple TV vs F1 TV Premium
These are no longer two competing subscriptions for American viewers. F1 TV Premium is part of the Apple TV Formula 1 package.
| Feature | Apple TV coverage | F1 TV Premium features |
|---|---|---|
| Practice sessions | Live and on demand | Included |
| Qualifying | Live and on demand | Included |
| F1 Sprints | Live and on demand | Included |
| Grand Prix races | Live and on demand | Included |
| English and Spanish commentary | Yes | Additional feeds available |
| Onboard cameras | Selected feeds | Extensive driver feeds |
| Multiview | On supported devices | Included |
| Historic F1 archive | Curated content | Extensive archive |
| Separate U.S. subscription required | Apple TV subscription | No additional subscription |
Casual fans can simply open the Formula 1 section in Apple TV. More committed viewers can use the included F1 TV features to follow individual drivers, timing data and alternative feeds.
Is Formula 1 still on ESPN?
No. ESPN and ESPN2 no longer broadcast Formula 1 in the United States.
The previous ESPN agreement ended before Apple became the exclusive U.S. broadcaster in 2026. Old articles recommending ESPN, ESPN2, YouTube TV, Sling TV or Fubo for Formula 1 are therefore outdated.
Those television services may still carry sports channels and Formula 1 coverage in other countries, but they do not replace Apple TV for current live F1 coverage in the United States.
Can you watch Formula 1 for free in the USA?
American viewers have several legitimate ways to follow some Formula 1 action without paying for the complete season.
Free practice sessions on Apple TV
All Formula 1 practice sessions are available free through the Apple TV app in the United States.
This lets viewers follow Friday and Saturday practice before deciding whether they want a subscription for qualifying, the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
You may need a free Apple Account and a supported device, but you do not need Apple hardware.
Selected Grands Prix on Apple TV
Apple makes selected Formula 1 races available free through the Apple TV app during the season.
The free race schedule can change, so check the Formula 1 section of the app before each Grand Prix weekend. Do not assume that every race is included without a subscription.
Free live Formula 1 audio
Formula 1 race commentary is available as a free live audio broadcast through Apple Music in the United States.
This is useful when travelling, driving or using a connection that is not fast enough for live video. A paid Apple Music subscription is not required for the Formula 1 live audio broadcast.
Official Formula 1 YouTube channel
The official Formula 1 YouTube channel provides free content such as:
- Race highlights
- Qualifying highlights
- Team and driver interviews
- Technical explainers
- Press conference clips
- Classic race moments
- F1 Esports coverage
YouTube does not normally show every current Grand Prix live in full.
Free Formula 1 broadcasts outside the USA
A number of countries have local free-to-air Formula 1 coverage. Current broadcasters listed by Formula 1 include:
- Austria:ORF and ServusTV share Formula 1 coverage
- Belgium:RTBF provides French-language coverage
- Luxembourg:RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg carries Formula 1
- United Kingdom:Channel 4 provides free highlights and live coverage of the British Grand Prix under its current agreement
- Switzerland:SRF, RTS and RSI provide regional-language coverage
“Free broadcaster” does not always mean every session or race is available live. Coverage may be divided between broadcasters, limited to selected races or offered as delayed highlights.
These services are intended for viewers within their licensed territories. Check the broadcaster’s schedule and terms before relying on it.
Where to watch Formula 1 outside the USA
Formula 1 sells broadcasting rights separately in each country. Examples from the current official broadcaster list include:
| Country or region | Official broadcaster |
|---|---|
| United States | Apple TV |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Sky Sports and Channel 4 |
| Canada | TSN, RDS and Noovo |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Foxtel and Kayo |
| France | Canal+ |
| Germany | Sky Deutschland and RTL |
| Spain | DAZN |
| Italy | Sky Italia |
| Latin America | ESPN |
Broadcast agreements and individual race coverage can change. Use the official Formula 1 broadcaster list to verify the service for your country.
When is the next Formula 1 race?
Rather than maintaining a static table that quickly becomes outdated, check the official Formula 1 calendar for the latest schedule.
The official calendar provides:
- Grand Prix dates
- Practice times
- Qualifying times
- Sprint schedules
- Grand Prix start times
- Circuit information
- Schedule changes and cancellations
The Formula 1 calendar can also be synced to a phone or computer. Session times are then converted to your local time zone.
Why can’t I watch my usual F1 stream abroad?
Streaming rights are agreed separately for different countries. A broadcaster permitted to show Formula 1 in the United States may not have the same rights elsewhere.
Streaming platforms can use your IP address and other location information to estimate where you are connecting from. If you travel outside the service area, you may see messages such as:
- This content is unavailable in your region
- Your current location could not be verified
- This event is not included in your subscription
- Live video cannot be played from this country
This normally reflects licensing restrictions rather than a problem with your Apple TV account or device.
Using a VPN for Formula 1 while travelling
A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and a VPN server. It can be useful when accessing the internet through hotel, airport or café Wi-Fi.
To protect your connection while travelling:
- Choose a reputable VPN that can support long live streams. Our recommendation is ExpressVPN.
- Create an account through the VPN’s official website.
- Install the official VPN app on your phone, computer, tablet or compatible television device.
- Sign in and connect to a suitable server.
- Open the streaming service you are already entitled to use.
- Check whether Formula 1 is available from your current location.
A VPN does not include an Apple TV, F1 TV, Sky Sports or other broadcasting subscription. It also does not make paid Formula 1 coverage free.
Streaming platforms may restrict VPN connections. Access is not guaranteed, so follow the streaming provider’s terms and the laws applicable in your location.
Visit ExpressVPN »
30-day money-back guarantee
How to choose a VPN for F1 streaming
Formula 1 sessions can last several hours, so connection stability is just as important as headline speed.
Consider the following features:
- Stable performance:the VPN should maintain its connection throughout the race
- Streaming speed:look for enough speed to support HD or 4K video
- Nearby servers:a closer server usually provides better performance
- Device support:check compatibility with the devices you use for Apple TV
- Simultaneous connections:useful when protecting multiple household devices
- Modern encryption:important when using unfamiliar or public Wi-Fi
- Responsive support:help should be available when an app or connection fails
- Transparent refund conditions:check the guarantee period and exclusions
Is ExpressVPN good for Formula 1 streaming?
ExpressVPN provides apps for popular computers, mobile devices and supported television platforms. It offers a broad server network and connection protocols designed for stable, high-speed performance.
It can help protect your traffic on public Wi-Fi and secure multiple compatible devices under one account.
Eligible purchases may include a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is not the same as a free trial. You pay for the subscription first and may request a refund within the guarantee period if your purchase qualifies.
App-store and third-party purchases may be covered by different refund rules. Check the current conditions at checkout.
Best VPNs for Formula 1 streaming
When comparing VPNs for an F1 live stream, consider speed, stability, server availability, device compatibility, privacy policies and customer support.
No VPN can guarantee access to Apple TV or another Formula 1 broadcaster. Results can change according to the server, device, network and restrictions applied by the streaming provider.
Other benefits of using a VPN
VPNs provide several benefits beyond Formula 1 streaming.
Protecting your connection on public Wi-Fi
Public networks are convenient, but you may not know how securely they are configured. A VPN encrypts data between your device and the VPN server, helping protect it from other people using the same network.
Hiding your regular IP address
Websites normally see the public IP address assigned to your internet connection. A VPN replaces it with the IP address of the connected VPN server.
This improves network privacy, although accounts, cookies and device information can still be used to recognize you.
Securing multiple devices
Many VPN subscriptions allow several simultaneous connections. This lets you protect phones, computers, tablets and compatible streaming devices under one account.
Reducing network visibility
VPN encryption reduces the amount of browsing information visible to an internet provider or public network operator. They can still see that you are using a VPN and measure the amount of data transferred.
Visit ExpressVPN »
30-day money-back guarantee
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Formula 1 in the USA in 2026?
Apple TV is the exclusive U.S. broadcaster. It shows every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix live and on demand.
Is Formula 1 still on ESPN or ESPN2?
No. ESPN’s U.S. Formula 1 agreement has ended. Apple TV became the exclusive American broadcaster in 2026.
Is F1 TV Premium available in the United States?
Yes. F1 TV Premium is included at no additional cost with an Apple TV subscription and is accessed through Apple TV in the United States.
Can I watch Formula 1 free in the USA?
All practice sessions and selected races are available free through the Apple TV app. Free live race audio is also available through Apple Music, while YouTube provides official highlights.
Do I need an Apple device to watch F1 on Apple TV?
No. The Apple TV app is available on many smart televisions, streaming devices, game consoles, computers, phones and tablets.
Does Apple TV show Formula 1 in 4K?
Apple TV provides Formula 1 coverage in 4K with Dolby Vision on compatible devices and connections. It also supports 5.1 surround sound.
Can I watch F1 replays on Apple TV?
Yes. Full replays, highlights and condensed Race in 30 programmes are available on demand, with spoiler-free viewing options.
Can I watch Formula 1 on Amazon Prime Video?
Formula 1 is not included with a standard Prime Video subscription in the United States. You may be able to install the Apple TV app on an Amazon Fire TV device, but an Apple TV subscription is still required for complete coverage.
Can a VPN make Formula 1 free?
No. A VPN encrypts your connection and changes the IP address visible to websites. It does not include a broadcaster subscription or turn paid coverage into free content.
Can I use a free VPN for an F1 live stream?
Free VPNs often have data limits, crowded servers and inconsistent speeds, making them unsuitable for a full Grand Prix. Always check the operator’s privacy policy and how the service is funded.
Where can I find the next F1 race time?
Use the official Formula 1 calendar. It lists practice, qualifying, Sprint and Grand Prix times and can convert them to your local time zone.
Conclusion
Apple TV is the best and only complete U.S. service for watching Formula 1 in 2026. Its subscription includes every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix, with F1 TV Premium features included at no additional cost.
Fans who do not want a subscription can watch every practice session and selected races free through the Apple TV app. The official Formula 1 YouTube channel provides free highlights, while Apple Music offers free live race audio in the United States.
Old recommendations for ESPN, ESPN2, Sling TV and Fubo are no longer accurate for American F1 coverage. Unauthorized streaming sites have also been removed because they are unreliable and can expose visitors to unsafe advertisements and downloads.
When travelling or using public Wi-Fi, ExpressVPN can help secure your internet connection. It does not include an Apple TV subscription, and access remains subject to regional rights and the streaming service’s terms.
