You do not need Apple TV to watch Formula 1, but where you can watch it depends on your location and which races you want to see

In the United States, ESPN holds the broadcast rights to most Formula 1 races. You can watch on ESPN's cable channel, through the ESPN+ streaming service, or through the ESPN app if you have a cable subscription. Apple TV+ does not carry Formula 1 in the US, so if you see F1 content on Apple's platform, it is likely behind-the-scenes documentaries or highlight reels, not live races.

In other countries, the rights holder changes. The UK uses Sky Sports, Canada uses TSN and CTV, and Australia uses Fox Sports. Some regions have free-to-air options as well. The race broadcast you can access depends entirely on which country you are in and which service has purchased the rights there.

If you already subscribe to one of these services through a cable package, a streaming app, or a standalone subscription, you have what you need. You do not need to add Apple TV or any other service beyond what already covers Formula 1 in your region.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, ESPN and ESPN+ broadcast Formula 1 races; Apple TV+ does not carry live races.
  • The service that carries Formula 1 varies by country, so check which broadcaster has rights in your location.
  • If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN, you can stream races through the ESPN app without paying extra.
  • Some regions offer free-to-air Formula 1 broadcasts, though these vary by race and country.
  • Apple TV+ carries Formula 1 documentaries and highlights, but not live race coverage in most markets.

How to find Formula 1 in your region

The first step is to identify which broadcaster holds the rights in your country. Formula 1's official website lists the rights holder for each region, though the easiest method is to search "where to watch F1 [your country]" and check the official F1 site or a current sports listings page.

Once you know the broadcaster, check whether you already have access through an existing subscription. If you pay for cable and it includes ESPN, you already have Formula 1 in the US. If you subscribe to Sky Sports in the UK, you have it there. Many people discover they already have access through a service they are paying for but have not used for sports.

If you do not have access through an existing subscription, you can subscribe directly to the streaming service that carries it. In the US, ESPN+ costs a monthly fee and includes all Formula 1 races. In other regions, the cost and availability of standalone subscriptions vary.

Streaming Formula 1 through ESPN in the United States

ESPN+ is the primary streaming home for Formula 1 in the US. You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service, or bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu at a lower combined price. The service includes live race broadcasts, practice sessions, and may have access to rounds.

If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN, you can also stream races through the ESPN app using your cable login. You do not need ESPN+ if your cable package already covers it. Check your cable provider's app to confirm whether Formula 1 is included in your plan.

ESPN also broadcasts some races on the main ESPN cable channel, particularly marquee events like the Monaco Grand Prix or the season finale. If you have cable access to ESPN, you can watch these on TV or stream them through the ESPN app.

Free and discounted ways to watch Formula 1

Some countries broadcast Formula 1 for free on public or commercial television. The UK offers free coverage on Channel 4 for certain races, though Sky Sports holds the primary rights. Australia has free-to-air coverage on some races through Network 10. These vary by country and by race, so check your local broadcaster's schedule.

In the US, ESPN occasionally shows races on the main cable channel rather than ESPN+ only, which means cable subscribers can watch without a separate streaming subscription. Check the race schedule on ESPN's website to see which races air on cable versus ESPN+ only.

Some streaming services offer free trial periods. If you want to watch a single race, you could sign up for a free trial of ESPN+ and cancel after the event, though you should confirm the trial period covers the race date before signing up.

What Apple TV+ actually offers for Formula 1

Apple TV+ produces and streams Formula 1 documentaries and behind-the-scenes content, most notably the series Drive to Survive. This show follows teams and drivers throughout a season but is not a live race broadcast. It airs after the season ends, so you cannot watch races as they happen on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ also occasionally shows highlight packages and special features about Formula 1, but again, these are not live races. If you want to watch a race live as it happens, Apple TV+ is not the service for that in most markets.

The confusion often arises because Apple TV+ has high-profile Formula 1 content, but that content is documentary and analysis, not the races themselves. If you subscribe to Apple TV+ for Drive to Survive, you will still need a separate service to watch the actual races.

Checking your current subscriptions

Before paying for a new service, review what you already subscribe to. If you have cable, log into your provider's app and search for ESPN or sports content. If you have Disney+, Hulu, or a bundle that includes ESPN+, you may already have Formula 1 access. Many people pay for services they do not actively use and forget what is included.

You can also check the official Formula 1 website or your local broadcaster's app to see if you can log in with credentials from a service you already own. This takes two minutes and can save you the cost of a new subscription.

When to call your cable or streaming provider

If you have a cable subscription and are unsure whether Formula 1 is included, contact your provider's customer service. They can tell you whether your package includes ESPN and whether you can stream races through their app. This is a straightforward question and they answer it regularly.

If you want to add ESPN+ or another streaming service, your cable provider may offer a bundle discount. Ask about this before subscribing separately, as bundles often cost less than paying for each service individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Formula 1 live on Apple TV+?

No. Apple TV+ carries Formula 1 documentaries and highlights, but not live race broadcasts in most markets. To watch races as they happen, you need ESPN+ in the US or your region's rights holder elsewhere.

Do I need ESPN+ if I have cable?

Not necessarily. If your cable package includes ESPN, you can stream races through the ESPN app using your cable login. Check your provider's app or call them to confirm whether Formula 1 is included in your plan.

Is there a free way to watch Formula 1?

It depends on your country. Some regions offer free-to-air broadcasts of certain races on public television. In the US, some races air on the main ESPN cable channel, which cable subscribers can watch without ESPN+. Check your local broadcaster's schedule.

What is the cheapest way to watch all Formula 1 races in the US?

ESPN+ is the most affordable option for all races. If you already have cable with ESPN, streaming through the ESPN app costs nothing extra. If you do not have cable, ESPN+ costs a monthly fee and includes every race, practice, and may have access to session.

Can I watch Formula 1 on my phone or tablet?

Yes. ESPN+, the ESPN app, and most regional broadcasters offer mobile apps. You can stream races on any device as long as you have an internet connection and an active subscription to the service that carries Formula 1 in your region.