Where F1 races will air in 2026 if you skip Apple TV

In the United States, F1 broadcasting rights for 2026 remain with ESPN, which means you can watch every race on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN+. You do not need an Apple TV subscription. ESPN+ costs around $11.99 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu. Cable subscribers with ESPN access through their provider can watch races at no extra cost.

The key difference: ESPN shows some races on cable channels (ESPN or ESPN2) and streams others exclusively on ESPN+. If you have a cable login, you can stream those races through the ESPN app or ESPN.com without paying extra. If you do not have cable, ESPN+ is the cheapest dedicated route at under $12 per month.

Outside the US, broadcasting rights vary by country. In the UK, Sky Sports holds the rights. In Canada, TSN and RDS carry the races. Australia uses Fox Sports. Check your local broadcaster's website or contact them directly to confirm 2026 coverage, as rights agreements can shift between seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN holds US F1 rights through 2026, so you can watch every race on ESPN+, cable ESPN channels, or through a cable provider's streaming app.
  • ESPN+ costs around $11.99 per month and is the cheapest option if you do not have cable television.
  • Some races air on cable channels (ESPN or ESPN2) and are free to cable subscribers who stream through the ESPN app with their provider login.
  • International viewers should check their country's broadcaster — Sky Sports in the UK, TSN in Canada, Fox Sports in Australia — as rights differ by region.
  • F1 race schedules and broadcast times are published months in advance on ESPN.com and the official F1 website.

ESPN+ as your main streaming option

ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service owned by Disney. You subscribe directly through the ESPN app, ESPN.com, or through the Disney Bundle (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ together). Every F1 race in 2026 will stream on ESPN+, including practice sessions, may have access to, and the main race on Sunday.

The ESPN app works on phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Apple TV (ironically), Fire TV, Chromecast, and most smart TVs. You log in with your ESPN+ account and navigate to the F1 section. Races typically start at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Eastern time, though some international races air earlier or later depending on the track location.

ESPN+ does not include commercials during races, which is one advantage over cable broadcasts. You can also rewatch races on demand after they air, so if you miss the live broadcast, you can watch it later the same day.

Cable and cable-provider streaming apps

If you already pay for cable television with ESPN included, you have two ways to watch without ESPN+. First, you can watch on the cable channel itself during the broadcast window. Second, you can stream through the ESPN app or ESPN.com by logging in with your cable provider credentials — this works even if you are away from home.

This option costs nothing extra beyond your cable bill. The tradeoff is that cable broadcasts include commercials, and you may not have on-demand replay access depending on your provider. Some cable packages include ESPN+ access as a perk, so check your bill or contact your provider to confirm what you have.

If you have cable but do not have ESPN as part of your package, you would need to either upgrade your plan or switch to ESPN+ as a standalone service.

International broadcasting options

F1 rights are sold separately in each country or region. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds exclusive rights and broadcasts all races on Sky Sports F1. In Canada, TSN (English-speaking provinces) and RDS (French-speaking Quebec) carry the races. Australia uses Fox Sports, and New Zealand uses Sky Sport NZ.

Most international broadcasters offer their own streaming services. Sky Go (UK), TSN+ (Canada), Kayo Sports (Australia), and Sky Sport Now (New Zealand) all stream F1 races live. Some also offer free-to-air broadcasts on traditional television channels, though this varies by country and race.

To find your local broadcaster, visit the official F1 website and use their "Where to Watch" tool, or search "[your country] F1 2026 broadcast rights." Contact that broadcaster directly to confirm pricing and streaming options for the 2026 season.

What to expect from the 2026 F1 schedule

The 2026 F1 calendar has not been finalized as of now, but recent seasons have included 24 races spread across the year. Races typically run from March through December, with most events held on Sundays. Practice and may have access to sessions happen on Friday and Saturday, usually in the morning or early afternoon Eastern time.

Race times vary depending on the track location. European races often air in the morning for US viewers. Asian races air very early (sometimes 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern). Australian races air late evening or overnight. ESPN publishes the full schedule with broadcast times several months before the season starts, so you can plan ahead.

Both ESPN+ and cable broadcasts show the same live race feed. The difference is commercials (cable has them, ESPN+ does not) and replay access (ESPN+ keeps races on demand longer).

Comparing cost and convenience

If you have cable with ESPN, watching through your cable provider or the ESPN app costs nothing extra. If you do not have cable, ESPN+ at $11.99 per month is the cheapest option. The Disney Bundle (ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu together) costs around $14.99 per month with ads or $24.99 without ads, which is worth it only if you use the other services.

Streaming quality depends on your internet connection. ESPN+ recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. Most home broadband connections meet this standard. If you have a slower connection, you can lower the video quality in the app settings.

For international viewers, costs vary widely. Sky Sports in the UK runs around £20 per month. TSN+ in Canada is roughly CAD $7.99 per month. Kayo Sports in Australia starts at AUD $14.99 per month. Check your local broadcaster's current pricing, as these amounts change seasonally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 races for free in 2026?

In the US, no — ESPN+ requires a paid subscription, and cable broadcasts require a cable subscription. Some international broadcasters offer free-to-air races on traditional television (BBC in the UK used to, though they no longer hold rights). Check your country's broadcaster to see if they offer any free races.

Do I need ESPN+ if I have cable?

No. If your cable package includes ESPN, you can watch races on the cable channel or stream through the ESPN app using your cable login. ESPN+ is only necessary if you do not have cable or if your cable package does not include ESPN.

Can I watch F1 on Hulu or Disney+?

No. Hulu and Disney+ do not carry F1 races. ESPN+ is the only Disney-owned service with F1 rights. You can bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ for a discounted price, but the races themselves stream only on ESPN+.

What if I miss a race — can I watch it later?

Yes. ESPN+ keeps races available on demand for at least several days after they air. Cable broadcasts may also offer replay, depending on your provider. Check the ESPN app or your cable provider's on-demand section to find past races.

Will F1 move to a different broadcaster after 2026?

It is possible, but ESPN's current rights agreement runs through at least 2026. Any change would likely be announced well in advance. Follow ESPN's F1 coverage or the official F1 website for news about future broadcasting deals.