Yes, you can record F1 on Apple TV, but the method depends on which Apple device you use

Apple TV+ streams Formula 1 races live in some regions, and you can record them on certain Apple devices. The easiest way is to use the built-in recording feature on Apple TV boxes (4th generation and newer), which saves the race to your device's storage so you can watch it later. If you're watching on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you'll need to use screen recording instead, since those devices don't have a native recording function for streaming apps.

The availability of F1 on Apple TV+ varies by country and subscription status. In the United States and some other regions, F1 races are available through Apple TV+, though some races may also air on ESPN or other channels depending on your location. Check your local Apple TV+ app to see what's currently available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV boxes (4th generation and later) have a built-in recording feature that saves F1 races directly to the device without needing extra apps or subscriptions.
  • On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can use the system screen recording tool to capture the race, though this requires manual start and stop timing.
  • Recording takes up storage space on your device, so check available space before recording a full race, which typically runs two to three hours.
  • F1 availability on Apple TV+ depends on your region and subscription, so confirm the race is streaming in your area before attempting to record.

Recording on an Apple TV box

If you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (both 4th generation and newer), the device has a built-in recording feature. Open the Apple TV app, find the F1 race in the schedule or search results, and select it. You'll see a record button (usually a circle icon) on the race details page. Tap it, and the race will record automatically when it airs.

The recorded race saves to your Apple TV's internal storage. You can watch it anytime afterward by going to the Watch Now tab and selecting your library or recordings. Apple TV boxes typically have between 32 GB and 64 GB of storage depending on the model, so a two-to-three-hour F1 race will take up a noticeable amount of space. If you record multiple races or other content, you may need to delete older recordings to make room.

One limitation: you cannot transfer a recorded race to another device. The recording stays on that specific Apple TV box. If you want to watch the race on your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to stream it live or use a different method.

Screen recording on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

iPhones, iPads, and Macs don't have a built-in recording feature for streaming apps, but you can use the system screen recording tool to capture the race as it plays. On iPhone and iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, press and hold the screen recording button (a filled circle), and tap "Microphone Audio" to include sound. Then tap "Start Recording" and open the Apple TV app to play the race.

On a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Sound, and check that your internal microphone is selected. Then open QuickTime Player, go to File > New Screen Recording, click the options menu to choose your microphone, and click Record. Start the recording, then play the race in the Apple TV app.

Screen recording captures everything on your screen, including notifications and any other apps that appear. The file size is large—a two-hour race can be 5 GB or more—so make sure you have plenty of free storage before you start. The recording quality depends on your device's screen resolution and the internet connection streaming the race.

Storage and file management

Recorded F1 races take up significant space. A typical two-to-three-hour race recorded on Apple TV uses between 10 GB and 20 GB depending on video quality and your internet speed. Screen recordings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac can be even larger, sometimes 20 GB or more for a full race.

Before recording, check how much free space your device has. On Apple TV, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage to see available space. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and check Storage. If you're running low, delete old recordings or other files to make room.

Recorded files don't automatically delete, so you'll need to remove them manually when you're done watching. On Apple TV, go to your library, find the race, and delete it. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the Files app or Finder, locate the screen recording, and move it to Trash.

When recording doesn't work

If you try to record and nothing happens, the race may not be available on Apple TV+ in your region. Some F1 races air on ESPN or other channels instead, depending on where you live. Check the Apple TV app first to confirm the race is listed there.

If the race is available but recording fails, restart your Apple TV box or device and try again. On Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Restart. On iPhone or iPad, hold the top and volume buttons, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. On Mac, click the Apple menu and select Restart.

If you're using screen recording and the audio isn't capturing, make sure you tapped "Microphone Audio" before starting the recording on iPhone or iPad. On Mac, confirm your internal microphone is selected in QuickTime Player's options menu before you hit Record.

Alternatives if recording isn't practical

If your device doesn't support recording or you don't have enough storage, you have other options. Many F1 races are available on-demand through Apple TV+ after they air, so you can watch them anytime without recording. Check the Apple TV app a few hours after the race ends to see if it's available in your library.

You can also use AirPlay to stream the race from your iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV box and watch it on a larger screen, though this doesn't record it. If you need to keep a race permanently, some streaming services offer read features for offline viewing, though Apple TV+ does not currently support downloading F1 races.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special subscription to record F1 on Apple TV?

No, you only need an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch F1 races. The recording feature is built into Apple TV boxes and doesn't require any additional service or payment. Screen recording on iPhone, iPad, or Mac is also free and uses only your device's built-in tools.

Can I watch a recorded F1 race on a different Apple device?

Recordings made on an Apple TV box stay on that device and cannot be moved to iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Screen recordings saved on iPhone, iPad, or Mac can be shared to other devices using AirDrop or iCloud, but they take up a lot of storage space.

How long does an F1 race take to record?

Most F1 races run two to three hours from start to finish, including pre-race coverage and interviews. The actual recording time depends on when you start and stop. If you use the Apple TV record button, it will record the entire scheduled broadcast, which may include extra content before or after the race itself.

What happens if I run out of storage while recording?

On Apple TV, the recording will stop if the device runs out of space. On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, screen recording will also stop. Before you record, delete old files or recordings to make room, or use an external hard drive to free up space on your Mac.

Can I record F1 if it's not on Apple TV+ in my country?

No, you can only record content that's available on Apple TV+ in your region. If F1 races air on ESPN or another service in your country, you would need to use that service's recording feature instead. Check your local Apple TV+ app to see what's available where you are.