If you’ve ever sat through a Formula 1 race with your heart in your throat, you know why people don’t just want to watch it-they need to. But with so many platforms offering F1 races in 2026, figuring out where to actually watch them can feel like navigating a pit stop at Monza. No more guessing. No more missed corners. Here’s exactly where you can stream every session, from practice to podium, no matter where you are.
Formula 1’s Official Streaming: F1 TV Pro
F1 TV Pro is the most complete way to watch Formula 1. It’s not just a live stream-it’s a full control room in your pocket. You get access to every session: practice, qualifying, and the race. Plus, you can switch between onboard cameras, team radios, and real-time telemetry data like tire wear and fuel load. If you’ve ever wanted to see how Lewis Hamilton managed his brakes on the final lap in Abu Dhabi, this is how.
F1 TV Pro also includes all 2026 race weekends in 4K HDR, with no ads during live racing. The catch? It’s not free. It costs $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year. But if you’re serious about F1, it’s the only place where you get the full picture. It’s available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and web browsers. You can even download races to watch offline-perfect for flights or commutes.
Free Options: Sky Sports F1 (UK) and ESPN (US)
If you’re in the UK, Sky Sports F1 still holds the exclusive broadcast rights. But here’s the twist: you don’t need a Sky subscription to watch every race live. Through the Sky Sports app, you can sign up for a free trial that covers the entire season. Just create an account, start the trial, and you’ll get full access to every session. After the trial ends, you’ll need to pay, but for the first few races, it’s free.
In the United States, ESPN is your home for F1. Every race is broadcast live on ESPN or ESPN2, and streamed on the ESPN app. You need a cable login or a streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV to access it. The good news? ESPN doesn’t cut away for commercials during the race itself. The bad news? Practice and qualifying sessions are often only on ESPN+, which requires a separate $10.99/month subscription.
Canada, Australia, and Other Regions
Canadians get F1 through TSN and RDS. TSN streams every session on its app and website, but you’ll need a TV provider login. RDS covers French-language broadcasts. Both services offer free trials, so you can test them before committing.
Australians watch F1 on Kayo Sports. It’s a $25/month subscription, but you get every practice, qualifying, and race in 4K. Kayo also lets you watch multiple streams at once-useful if you want to track two drivers at the same time. If you’re not in Australia, you can still use a VPN to access Kayo, but be aware that F1’s geo-blocking is getting tighter in 2026.
International Viewers: F1 TV Pro Is Still the Best Bet
For viewers outside the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, F1 TV Pro is often the only option with full, ad-free coverage. In countries like Brazil, India, or South Africa, local broadcasters might only show the race itself-missing qualifying, sprint races, and practice sessions. F1 TV Pro fills those gaps. It also includes the F1 Classics library, where you can rewatch iconic races from the 1980s and 1990s. If you’ve ever wondered how Senna drove Monaco in 1988, it’s all there.
Some countries, like Germany and France, have local partners like Sky Deutschland and beIN SPORTS. But even there, F1 TV Pro is often cheaper and more reliable than buying a local package just for F1.
What About YouTube and TikTok?
You’ll see clips everywhere-highlight reels, driver interviews, crash compilations. YouTube and TikTok are great for quick updates, but they’re not live. F1 doesn’t stream full races on YouTube anymore. In 2026, even the official F1 YouTube channel only posts race highlights 24 hours after the event. TikTok? Those 60-second clips won’t help you catch the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at midnight.
Some YouTubers claim they offer "free live streams"-but those are illegal. They use unauthorized feeds, and they get shut down fast. In 2025, F1 cracked down hard on these streams. Many were blocked in real time using digital fingerprinting. Don’t risk your account or your device. Stick to official sources.
How to Watch Without Paying for Everything
You don’t need to subscribe to five services to follow F1. Here’s how to cut costs:
- Use free trials: Sky Sports, ESPN+, TSN, Kayo-all offer 7-day trials. Time them to cover the first few races.
- Share accounts: F1 TV Pro allows two simultaneous streams. Split the cost with a friend.
- Use public broadcasts: In some countries, like Italy and Spain, the race is still shown on free-to-air TV. Check local listings.
- Wait for replays: If you can’t watch live, F1 TV Pro and ESPN+ let you watch full race replays within hours.
What’s New in 2026?
This season, F1 TV Pro added a new feature: "Driver Battle Mode." It lets you pick two drivers and watch their race side-by-side with real-time data comparison. Want to see how Max Verstappen’s lap times compare to Charles Leclerc’s through Turn 3 in Monaco? It’s now built in.
Also, F1 has partnered with Amazon to offer live race audio through Alexa. Just say, "Alexa, play the F1 race," and you’ll hear the live commentary from the F1 broadcast team. It’s not video, but it’s perfect if you’re cooking or working and can’t stare at a screen.
Don’t Miss the Sprint Races
Don’t forget-11 of the 22 races in 2026 include a sprint race on Saturday. These are 100-kilometer dashes that determine the starting grid for Sunday’s main race. They’re fast, chaotic, and often more exciting than the main event. F1 TV Pro and ESPN+ stream them live. Most local broadcasters skip them entirely. If you only watch Sunday, you’re missing half the story.
Final Checklist: Where to Watch F1 in 2026
- US: ESPN (race), ESPN+ (practice, qualifying, sprint)
- UK: Sky Sports F1 (free trial available)
- Canada: TSN/RDS (free trial available)
- Australia: Kayo Sports
- Rest of the World: F1 TV Pro (best value, full coverage)
- Free option: Check local free-to-air TV in Italy, Spain, or Germany
- Never use: Illegal streams, unofficial YouTube links, or third-party apps
Formula 1 isn’t just a race. It’s a global event with a million moving parts. Watching it properly means knowing where to look-and when. Stick to the official platforms. You’ll get the best picture, the cleanest audio, and the full experience. Skip the shortcuts. The grid’s waiting.
Can I watch F1 races for free in 2026?
You can watch some races for free if you’re in countries like Italy, Spain, or Germany, where the main race is broadcast on free-to-air TV. Otherwise, free options are limited to trial periods from services like Sky Sports, TSN, or ESPN+. There are no legal, full-season free streams.
Is F1 TV Pro worth the price?
Yes-if you watch more than three races a year. At under $8 a month, it’s cheaper than a single movie ticket. You get every session, no ads, 4K quality, onboard cameras, team radios, and classic races. For fans, it’s the only way to get the full F1 experience.
Can I watch F1 on my smart TV?
Yes. F1 TV Pro, ESPN+, Kayo, and Sky Sports all have apps for Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, and Android TV. Just download the app, log in, and start streaming.
Why can’t I find F1 on Netflix or Disney+?
F1 doesn’t license live races to Netflix or Disney+. Those platforms focus on documentaries and series, like "Drive to Survive." Live racing rights are held by broadcasters and F1’s own streaming service. Don’t waste time searching-go straight to F1 TV Pro or your local provider.
Do I need a VPN to watch F1 abroad?
You don’t need a VPN if you use F1 TV Pro-it’s available in over 180 countries. But if you want to access a specific country’s feed (like Sky Sports from the US), a VPN can help. Just know that F1 is actively blocking VPNs, so not all services work reliably in 2026.
What to Do If the Stream Fails
Streaming issues happen. Buffering, audio lag, or black screens during a crucial lap are frustrating. Here’s what to try:
- Restart your router-most streaming problems are network-related.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet if you’re on a TV or computer.
- Lower the video quality in the app settings. 1080p often works better than 4K on slower connections.
- Close other apps using bandwidth-like downloads or video calls.
- Try the mobile app. Sometimes your phone’s connection is more stable than your TV’s.
If all else fails, check F1’s official Twitter or Instagram. They post real-time updates if there’s a global outage. And remember: replays are always available. You won’t miss the podium-just the live tension.