Yes, you can record F1 on Apple TV, but only if you have a compatible device and the right setup
Apple TV does not have a built-in recording feature like a traditional DVR. However, you can record F1 races through AirPlay to a Mac, use screen recording on compatible Apple devices, or rely on on-demand replays that most F1 streaming services offer after the race airs live. The method that works best depends on what device you own and whether you want to keep the recording permanently or just watch it later.
F1 races in the United States air on ESPN+, which you can access through the Apple TV app. ESPN+ lets you rewatch races on demand for a set period after they air, which is often the simplest option if you cannot watch live. If you want a permanent copy or more control over when you watch, screen recording or AirPlay capture are your alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV itself has no recording function, but you can capture F1 races using screen recording on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- ESPN+ offers on-demand replays of F1 races for several days after they air, which requires no recording setup at all.
- AirPlay from Apple TV to a Mac allows you to record the race using QuickTime or third-party screen capture software.
- Screen recordings consume significant storage space, so check your device's available space before recording a full race.
- Some F1 content on ESPN+ may have regional restrictions or licensing limits that prevent recording or sharing.
Using ESPN+ on-demand replays instead of recording
The easiest way to watch F1 races on your schedule is through ESPN+'s built-in replay feature. After a race airs live, ESPN+ keeps it available for several days (typically 30 days or more, though this varies). You can open the ESPN+ app on Apple TV, find the race in the library, and watch it whenever you want without setting up any recording.
This method requires no extra storage, no technical setup, and no worrying about file formats or playback issues. The trade-off is that ESPN+ eventually removes older races from the on-demand library, so if you want to keep a race permanently, you will need to record it yourself. For most viewers who want to watch a race within a week or two of it airing, the on-demand replay is the practical choice.
Screen recording F1 on iPhone or iPad
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use the built-in screen recording feature to capture F1 races from the ESPN+ app. Open Control Center, press and hold the screen recording button, tap the microphone icon to include audio, then start recording. Open ESPN+ and play the race. When the race ends, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the red recording indicator to stop.
The recording saves to your Photos app and takes up roughly 1 to 2 gigabytes per hour of video, depending on your device's screen resolution. A typical F1 race broadcast runs two to three hours, so plan for 2 to 6 GB of storage. You can then transfer the file to a computer or external drive if you want to free up space on your phone or tablet.
One limitation: screen recording captures whatever is on your screen, including notifications and any pop-ups that appear during the broadcast. Mute your device before recording to avoid capturing notification sounds.
Recording from Apple TV using AirPlay and a Mac
If you want to record directly from Apple TV, you can use AirPlay to send the video to a Mac, then use QuickTime to capture it. On your Mac, open QuickTime Player, go to File, select New Screen Recording, and choose your Mac's display. Start the screen recording, then on your Apple TV, open ESPN+ and start the F1 race. The Mac will record everything displayed on your screen.
This method gives you more control than phone recording and keeps the file on your computer from the start. However, it requires a Mac and a bit more technical setup. The file size will be similar to phone recording — roughly 1 to 2 GB per hour — and you may want to compress it afterward to save space.
Alternatively, you can use third-party screen recording software like ScreenFlow or Camtasia on Mac, which offer more editing options and better compression. These are paid apps, but they give you more flexibility if you plan to record multiple races.
Understanding storage and file management
A full F1 race broadcast typically runs 2 to 3 hours and produces a video file of 2 to 6 GB depending on your device's resolution and the recording method. If you plan to record multiple races, you will need external storage. A 1 TB external hard drive costs between $50 and $100 and can hold roughly 150 to 300 full race recordings.
Before recording, check how much free space your device has. Go to Settings on iPhone or iPad, tap General, then Storage to see available space. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then Storage. If you are running low, delete old photos, videos, or apps to make room.
Keep in mind that video files degrade slightly each time you copy or compress them, so if you want to preserve a race long-term, store the original file in one place and make a backup copy rather than moving it repeatedly.
Licensing and legal considerations for recording
ESPN+ terms of service generally allow personal, non-commercial recording for your own use. However, you cannot legally share, sell, or distribute the recording, and you cannot upload it to social media or streaming platforms. Recording is for your personal viewing only.
Some F1 content may have additional regional restrictions or licensing limits that prevent recording altogether. If you attempt to record and the screen goes black or the app closes, the content may be protected. In that case, the on-demand replay is your only option.
Always check ESPN+'s current terms of service, as policies can change. The safest approach is to use on-demand replays when available, since they are explicitly designed for rewatching and require no workarounds.
Comparing your recording options
| Method | Device Required | Setup Time | Storage Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ on-demand replay | Any device with ESPN+ | None | None | Watching within 30 days, no storage concerns |
| iPhone/iPad screen recording | iPhone or iPad | 1 minute | 2–6 GB per race | Quick personal recordings, portable files |
| Mac AirPlay + QuickTime | Mac + Apple TV | 2–3 minutes | 2–6 GB per race | Higher quality, computer-based storage |
| Mac third-party software | Mac + paid app | 5–10 minutes | 1–3 GB per race (compressed) | Long-term archive, editing capability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record F1 on Apple TV 4K or earlier models?
Apple TV itself has no recording feature on any model. However, you can use AirPlay to send the video to a Mac and record there, or use screen recording on an iPhone or iPad while watching the ESPN+ app. The method works the same way regardless of which Apple TV model you own.
Will recording F1 from ESPN+ violate my subscription?
No. ESPN+ allows personal recording for your own use. You cannot share, sell, or upload the recording publicly, but recording for yourself is permitted under the terms of service. Always review ESPN+'s current terms to confirm, as policies can change.
How long does ESPN+ keep F1 races available on demand?
ESPN+ typically keeps races available for 30 days or longer after they air, though this can vary. Check the ESPN+ app to see the exact availability window for each race. If you want to keep a race longer than that, you will need to record it yourself.
What happens if I try to record protected F1 content?
Some F1 broadcasts may have additional copy protection or regional licensing restrictions. If you attempt to record and the screen goes black or the app closes, the content is protected and cannot be recorded. In that case, use the on-demand replay feature instead.
Can I record F1 on Apple TV using a third-party app?
No third-party app on Apple TV can record directly. Your options are screen recording on iPhone or iPad, or using AirPlay to a Mac with QuickTime or screen capture software. Apple TV does not allow apps to access recording functions.