F1 Live Stream 2026: How to Watch Formula 1 for Free
Getting an F1 live stream free can be tricky, so we've done the hard work for you. This guide shares the F1 race schedule, free and paid streaming options, and steps on how to bypass any blocks you come across. Keep reading to find out more.
The 2026 Formula 1 season is underway, and there are several ways to watch an F1 live stream online. Paid options vary by country, but you can also find an F1 live stream free through broadcasters in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
The catch is that free F1 streams are usually region-locked. If you’re outside the country where a free broadcaster operates, a top VPN like can NordVPNchange your virtual location by connecting you to a server there, though you should check the streaming service’s terms before using one.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to watch an F1 live stream in 2026, including free and paid options, and show you how to access your usual streaming services while traveling. I’ll also keep the 2026 F1 schedule updated so you can find the next race.
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Updated to the 2022 Formula 1 season; refocused article on how to watch F1 for free.
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Updated to the 2023 Formula 1 season.
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11/02/2023
Cloudwards updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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08/15/2024 Facts checked
We updated the article to present PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN for streaming F1.
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10/01/2024
We improved this how-to guide and adjusted the VPN order based on recent advancements.
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12/07/2024
Cloudwards updated this guide to include updated information on the 2024 F1 schedule, as well as where to watch it for free.
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03/14/2025 Facts checked
We updated this guide for the 2025 Formula One World Championship.
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03/22/2025 Facts checked
We refreshed this guide to add information about recent NordVPN developments and more considerations for using a VPN to stream Formula One.
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06/06/2025 Facts checked
We updated this guide to reflect recent Surfshark developments and update our Formula 1 news section.
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08/25/2025 Facts checked
We refreshed our ExpressVPN section to reflect recent updates and updated our Formula 1 News section.
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11/07/2025 Facts checked
We updated our NordVPN and F1 news sections, and added information about F1’s move to Apple TV in the U.S. from 2026.
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09/03/2026 Facts checked
We updated this guide for the 2026 F1 season, including the race calendar, U.S. Apple TV coverage, free streaming options and VPN information.
Quick Answer: How Do You Live Stream F1 for Free?
Several broadcasters show Formula 1 for free in 2026, but availability depends on your country. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Hungary have free options, while F1 coverage in the U.S. and U.K. works differently.
| Country | Where to Watch F1 | Free? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | ServusTV On / ORF ON | Yes | The broadcasters split the live races between them |
| Belgium | RTBF Auvio | Yes | Free streaming with an account; French-language coverage |
| Luxembourg | RTL Play / RTL Zwee | Yes | RTL Play streams F1 online; an account is required |
| Switzerland | SRF / RTS / RSI | Yes | Coverage is available across Switzerland’s German-, French- and Italian-language broadcasters |
| Hungary | M4 Sport | Yes | Free Hungarian coverage, including online streaming |
| U.S. | Apple TV | Paid; free trial available | Exclusive U.S. home of F1 in 2026; new subscribers get a seven-day free trial |
| U.K. | Sky Sports F1 / Channel 4 | Mixed | Sky carries every race weekend live; Channel 4 has the British GP live and highlights of the other races |
If you’re outside a country with free F1 coverage, you may be able to access your usual streaming service while traveling by connecting to a VPN server in your home country. Check the streaming service’s terms before doing so.
Can You Stream F1 Live?
Yes. You can stream F1 live through F1 TV in supported countries or through local broadcasters and streaming services, with availability and pricing varying by location.
In the U.S., Apple TV is the exclusive home of Formula 1 for the 2026 season. An Apple TV subscription includes every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix live, as well as access to F1 TV Premium at no additional cost.
The U.S. F1 TV setup changed in 2026, so older advice about buying F1 TV Pro or Premium as a standalone U.S. subscription is no longer current. U.S. Apple TV subscribers can instead link their Apple Account to F1 TV Premium to access features such as onboard cameras, team radio, live data and additional feeds.
Outside the U.S., F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium remain available in selected countries. If F1 TV isn’t available where you live, check the official F1 broadcaster for your country.
How Do You Stream F1 Live for Free?
You can stream F1 live for free in several countries in 2026, but the amount of coverage varies. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Hungary have some of the strongest free options, while countries such as Australia and the U.K. offer free coverage of specific races or highlights.
The broadcaster also matters because some countries split coverage between multiple services. I recommend checking the table above and the country-specific details below before choosing a stream.
Reminder
Before we move on, a reminder that F1 race weekends follow a three-day structure with Friday practice sessions (typically at 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM local time), Saturday qualifying (usually 3:00 PM local time), and Sunday races (start times vary between 2:00-4:00 PM local time), so ensure your streaming service provides coverage for all three days.
How Can You Watch F1 for Free in Austria?
You can watch every 2026 F1 race for free in Austria, with coverage split between ServusTV and ORF. Each broadcaster carries 12 races, with streams available through ServusTV On and ORF ON.
Check which broadcaster has the race you want before streaming. If you’re traveling outside Austria, you may need an Austrian IP address to access your usual service.
How Can You Watch F1 for Free in Belgium?
RTBF provides free French-language Formula 1 coverage in Belgium through RTBF Auvio. Its current rights include practice, qualifying, F1 Sprints and Grands Prix throughout the season.
Auvio requires an account. If you’re traveling abroad and want to access your usual Belgian stream, connect to a server in Belgium.
How Can You Watch F1 for Free in Luxembourg?
You can stream Formula 1 for free in Luxembourg through RTL Play, with Luxembourgish-language coverage also airing on RTL Zwee. RTL’s 2026 rights include practice, qualifying, F1 Sprints and Grands Prix.
You’ll need to sign in to RTL Play to stream. If you’re traveling outside Luxembourg, you may need a Luxembourg IP address to access the service.
How Can You Watch F1 for Free in Switzerland?
Formula 1 coverage in Switzerland is available through the public broadcasters SRF, RTS and RSI. SRF provides German-language coverage, RTS covers the sport in French and RSI serves Italian-speaking viewers.
Coverage varies between the channels and race weekends, so check the relevant broadcaster’s schedule before the race. Their online streams are intended for viewers in Switzerland.
How Can You Watch F1 in the United States?
In 2026, Apple TV is where to watch F1 in the USA. Apple has exclusive U.S. rights and carries every Grand Prix, practice session, qualifying session and Sprint live.
Apple TV is a paid service, so it isn’t a permanently free way to watch F1. New subscribers can get a seven-day free trial, which can cover a race weekend, and Apple also makes some F1 coverage available without a subscription.
If you’re wondering where to watch F1 in 2026 outside the U.S., your options depend on your country; F1 TV and local broadcasters carry the championship in supported markets.
How Can You Watch F1 for Free in the United Kingdom?
Channel 4 provides free F1 coverage in the U.K., but it doesn’t show every race live. The British Grand Prix is available live for free, while Channel 4 provides highlights of the other Grands Prix, qualifying sessions and F1 Sprints.
For every race weekend live, you’ll need Sky Sports F1 or NOW. Channel 4 is therefore best treated as a free option for the British GP and season highlights rather than a full live F1 service.
Can You Watch F1 for Free on StreamEast?
StreamEast was an unauthorized sports-streaming network that offered free access to live sporting events, but its major network was shut down by authorities in 2025. You may still encounter websites using the StreamEast name when searching for an F1 live stream free link, but these may be unrelated mirrors or copycat sites rather than the original service.
I don’t recommend using unofficial StreamEast sites to watch F1. Unauthorized streaming sites can infringe copyright, and unfamiliar mirrors can expose you to malicious ads, phishing attempts, malware or other security risks. You could try using one of the best StreamEast alternatives, but use a VPN and malware protection before you visit any of these sites.
The same caution applies when searching for terms such as “F1 live stream Reddit.” Posts and links can lead to unofficial streaming sites whose operators and safety are difficult to verify.
If you want an F1 live stream free of charge, use a legitimate broadcaster instead. Depending on your location, options include ServusTV On and ORF ON in Austria, RTBF Auvio in Belgium, RTL Play in Luxembourg, SRF, RTS and RSI in Switzerland, and M4 Sport in Hungary.
How Do You Watch F1 Live for Free on Phone?
You can watch F1 live for free on an iPhone or Android phone using the mobile app or website of a free broadcaster such as ServusTV On, ORF ON, RTBF Auvio or RTL Play. Which races you can watch depends on the broadcaster and your location.
If you’re traveling outside the country where your usual free service is available, you may be able to access it by connecting to a VPN server in your home country. Using the broadcaster’s website in your mobile browser can also be useful if its app isn’t available in your current app-store region.
How Do You Live Stream F1 For Free on iPhone?
To live stream F1 for free on your iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Sign up for a VPN like NordVPN, which has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download and install the app from the Apple App Store.
- Connect to a server in the country where the service is, such as Belgium for RTBF.
- Go to the service’s website and start streaming Formula 1.
How Do You Live Stream F1 For Free on Android?
To live stream F1 for free on Android, follow the steps below if you’re using an Android phone:
- Subscribe to a VPN such as NordVPN — you’re covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download and install the VPN app from the Google Play Store.
- Connect to a server in the country you need to access, like Austria for ServusTV and ORF.
- Go to your chosen service’s website and start streaming F1 races.
How Do You Watch F1 Free Online With a VPN?
To watch F1 free online with a VPN, the following steps will help you. We’ve used the best VPN, NordVPN, for this example, along with RTBF in Belgium. If you want to watch F1 live streams on a different service, just change the steps where needed.
During peak F1 viewing times like race starts, connecting to less-popular server locations within your target country (such as Salzburg instead of Vienna for Austrian streams) can provide more stable connections. This helps you avoid the server congestion that often occurs on major city nodes when thousands of fans are trying to watch the same event simultaneously.
- Sign Up for a VPN Service
In your browser, go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a plan. The two-year plan is the best value and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.

- Download and Install the App
Download and install the VPN app on the device you want to stream on. After that, open the app and log in to your account.

- Connect to a Belgium Server
Find and connect to a server in Belgium. You can use either the map or server list on NordVPN’s app. Simply click on a server to connect to it. Remember, if you want to watch F1 on a different service, choose the relevant server.

- Go to the RTBF Website
Visit RTBF’s website (or the service you prefer) and search for Formula 1. Once you’ve found it, you can start streaming F1 races when they air.

Before we move on, note that using a VPN for F1 streaming offers another significant advantage: preventing ISP throttling.
Many internet service providers intentionally slow down streaming traffic during peak hours or when they detect high-bandwidth activities like watching live sports. By encrypting your connection, a VPN masks what you’re doing online, preventing your ISP from targeting your F1 streams for throttling.
What Are the Best VPNs to Watch Formula 1 Online?
The best VPNs to watch Formula 1 online include NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. These three stand out even though there are more VPN providers on the market than Michael Schuhmacher has trophies. Fortunately, you don’t have to test every single one — we did the work for you. Our top three choices all have a few things in common:
- They let you surf securely and anonymously with unbreakable encryption.
- They keep no user records, thanks to a no-logs policy.
- They offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t like the service or change your mind.
- They have obfuscated servers. These make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, making it much harder for networks to detect and block your access to F1 streams, ideal for use in countries with heavy internet censorship.
- They all have smart DNS features that can help you access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPN connections, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles.
- They offer modern protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx (NordVPN) or Lightway (ExpressVPN), ensuring you can watch races in HD quality without buffering.
Here’s a brief overview of each of the three services.
While using VPNs to access geo-restricted content may violate some streaming platforms’ terms of service, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all operate within legal frameworks that allow their services to be used for privacy protection and bypass network restrictions.
1. NordVPN — Best Formula 1 VPN




Very Fast
NordVPN is our favorite VPN and one of the fastest options we’ve tested for streaming. Its combination of fast connections and a broad server network makes it a strong choice for watching F1 without unnecessary buffering.
NordWhisper is useful if you’re trying to stream on a restrictive network, such as filtered hotel, airport or public WiFi. It disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic to help establish a connection when standard VPN protocols are blocked, but NordLynx is the better choice for speed on an unrestricted connection.
In addition, if you prefer using a browser extension instead of the full VPN app, NordVPN’s browser extension now features enhanced location spoofing that can set your browser to use both the location and time zone of the server you’re connected to, helping to provide a more consistent streaming experience.
In 2025, after originally planning to scrap it, NordVPN confirmed that its free Meshnet feature will remain available, allowing you to create secure connections between multiple devices. This is useful for sharing F1 content with friends or accessing your home network while traveling to watch races.
If you’re willing to commit for 24 months, you’ll get solid performance at a low price of $2.99 per month. For more info on our price-performance favorite, check out our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — Best Cheap VPN for Formula 1




Very Fast
Surfshark is a strong NordVPN alternative for F1 streaming, with fast speeds, a broad server network and support for unlimited simultaneous device connections. That last point is particularly useful if you want to stream a race on a TV while keeping your phone, laptop and other devices connected.
Surfshark also uses Everlink, its self-healing server technology, to help keep the VPN tunnel running if a server experiences a failure or maintenance. That added connection stability is more relevant to a long live F1 broadcast than most of Surfshark’s newer extras.
Surfshark costs $1.99 per month on the two-year plan, and you can get a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied with the service. Our Surfshark review has more info.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. Proton VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN for Formula 1

who want reliable streaming performance.



Very Fast
Proton VPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail, bringing that same commitment to privacy and security to the VPN space. Based in Switzerland, it benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world and maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum.
In our VPN testing, Proton VPN has proven to be one of the most stable choices for streaming F1 races. This consistency is crucial for live sports streaming, where buffering during a crucial overtake can ruin the experience.
Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol can be useful for F1 fans using networks that restrict VPN traffic because it is designed to make VPN connections harder to detect. The service also has servers in 148 countries, including Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg — useful locations for accessing your usual F1 streaming services while traveling.
With 10 simultaneous device connections and apps for all major platforms, you can watch races on your TV, laptop and phone without juggling logins.
Additionally, Proton VPN offers one of the best free VPN plans, with unlimited data — though it still has some restrictions that make it not a strong option for watching Formula 1. That’s because server options are limited to 10 countries, and you can’t choose the server — it’s randomly assigned. Speeds are also reduced to “medium.”
Luckily, paid plans start at $2.99 per month on a two-year commitment, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more details, check out our Proton VPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
4. ExpressVPN — Best User-Friendly VPN for Formula 1




Very Fast
ExpressVPN offers 214 server locations across 113 countries, compatibility with all major devices and operating systems, and consistently fast speeds. Its broad network gives F1 fans plenty of options for connecting to their usual streaming services while traveling.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol now features dynamic MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) technology, which automatically adjusts packet sizes based on network conditions.
This makes it particularly valuable for watching Formula 1 races while traveling or using inconsistent networks, as it maintains a stable connection even when network quality fluctuates during long race broadcasts, helping prevent those frustrating mid-race disconnections.
ExpressVPN costs $3.49 per month on the two-year plan, plus you get four months free. You can learn more about it in our detailed ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 12
- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 14
Can You Live Stream F1 for Free Without a VPN?
It depends on where you’re located. There are many free F1 streaming options, but unless you’re physically in the country where they’re available, you’ll need to use a VPN to gain access.
Where Can You Watch F1 Race Live?
Where you can watch F1 live depends on your country. In the U.S., Apple TV is the exclusive home of Formula 1 in 2026, while several European countries have free broadcasters that show some or all of the season.
The table below covers the most useful options if you’re wondering where to watch F1 races in 2026.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster or Service | Free or Paid? | Free Trial / Free Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Apple TV | Paid | Seven-day trial for new subscribers | Exclusive U.S. F1 broadcaster in 2026 |
| U.K. | Sky Sports F1 / Channel 4 | Mixed | British GP live and other race highlights free on Channel 4 | Sky is the main option for every race weekend live |
| Austria | ServusTV On / ORF ON | Free | Yes | Live races are split between the two broadcasters |
| Belgium | RTBF Auvio | Free | Yes | Free French-language F1 coverage |
| Switzerland | SRF / RTS / RSI | Free | Yes | German-, French- and Italian-language coverage |
| Hungary | M4 Sport | Free | Yes | Free Hungarian-language coverage |
If you’re looking for where to watch F1 live, start with the broadcaster available in your country. Travelers may also be able to access their usual streaming service abroad with a VPN, subject to the service’s terms.
How Do You Watch F1 Live in the U.S.?
Apple TV is the main place to watch F1 live in the U.S. in 2026. It has exclusive U.S. Formula 1 rights and carries every Grand Prix, practice session, qualifying session and F1 Sprint throughout the season.
You can subscribe to Apple TV directly through Apple or access the service through supported platforms where Apple TV is available. New subscribers can get a seven-day free trial, but you’ll need a paid subscription to follow the full season after the trial ends.
An Apple TV subscription also includes access to F1 TV Premium in the U.S. at no additional cost. You can link your Apple Account to F1 TV to use features such as onboard cameras, team radio, additional feeds and live timing.
Some F1 coverage is available free in the U.S., including practice sessions and selected race-weekend programming. However, Apple TV is the option to use if you want every 2026 F1 session live.
How Do You Watch F1 Live in the UK?
To watch F1 live in the UK, F1 is available on Sky Sports, but if you don’t have a cable package, you can sign up for streaming service Now Sports and watch F1 live streams there.
2026 F1 Calendar & Race Schedule
The F1 live stream 2026 schedule currently has 23 rounds running from March through December. The calendar has changed since it was originally announced, so the table below reflects Formula 1’s current 2026 race schedule.
2026 F1 Sprint Schedule
Six race weekends feature an F1 Sprint in 2026. The Sprint venues are Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.
| Grand Prix | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Grand Prix | March 13-15 | Shanghai, China |
| Miami Grand Prix | May 1-3 | Miami, U.S. |
| Canadian Grand Prix | May 22-24 | Montreal, Canada |
| British Grand Prix | July 3-5 | Silverstone, U.K. |
| Dutch Grand Prix | Aug. 21-23 | Zandvoort, Netherlands |
| Singapore Grand Prix | Oct. 9-11 | Singapore |
Where Can You Watch F1 Qualifying?
F1 qualifying usually airs on the same official broadcaster or streaming service that shows the Grand Prix in your country. If you’re wondering where to watch F1 qualifying today, check the broadcaster carrying the current race weekend, as schedules and start times vary by Grand Prix.
In the U.S., Apple TV carries every qualifying session live in 2026. U.K. viewers can watch qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 or catch free highlights on Channel 4, while free options in Europe include ServusTV On or ORF ON in Austria, RTBF Auvio in Belgium and RTL Play in Luxembourg.
F1 TV also carries qualifying live in countries where its live-streaming plans are available. Check the F1 schedule and your local broadcaster before each race weekend to confirm the qualifying start time and coverage.
Final Thoughts
We hope our guide has helped you to stream F1 for free. Remember, if you’re not in the same country as your chosen service, a VPN is the tool you need. Just connect to a server in the same country as the service and you’ll unblock it.
NordVPN is the best tool for watching F1 live streams, and its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can easily get a refund if you don’t like it. If you’re a fan of high-speed competition beyond the open-wheel circuits, you might also want to see our guide on how to watch the Daytona 500 to catch NASCAR’s biggest event of the year.
Where will you be streaming F1? Will you need to use a VPN? Let us know which one in the comments section and if you’re a fan of the Formula E World Championship, check out our guide on how to watch Formula E for free. As always, thank you for reading.
FAQ: F1 Free Live Stream
Yes. Several countries have free F1 coverage in 2026, including Austria through ServusTV On and ORF ON, Belgium through RTBF Auvio, Luxembourg through RTL Play and Hungary through M4 Sport. Switzerland also has free coverage through public broadcasters SRF, RTS and RSI, though availability can vary by race weekend and channel.
You can watch F1 in the U.S. on Apple TV, the exclusive U.S. home of Formula 1 in 2026. Apple TV carries every Grand Prix, practice session, qualifying session and F1 Sprint live, and new subscribers can get a seven-day free trial.
In the U.S., Apple TV is the exclusive streaming home of Formula 1 in 2026 and carries every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix. Other countries have different services, including free options such as RTBF Auvio in Belgium, ServusTV On and ORF ON in Austria, and RTL Play in Luxembourg.
Yes, but F1 isn’t included with a standard Amazon Prime subscription in the U.S. Prime Video customers can subscribe to Apple TV through Prime Video to watch the 2026 F1 season, including every Grand Prix, qualifying session, Sprint and practice session.

