What you need to watch F1 on Apple TV

You cannot watch Formula 1 directly through the Apple TV app itself. Instead, you watch F1 through a sports streaming service that you add to Apple TV as a channel. The service that carries F1 in the United States is ESPN+, which you can subscribe to and access through the Apple TV app on your device.

To watch races, you need three things: an Apple TV device or an app-compatible device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, or smart TV), an ESPN+ subscription, and an internet connection. ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year as a standalone subscription. You can also bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu, which costs $14.99 per month for all three services together.

The races stream live during their scheduled times, and most are available on-demand afterward. Practice sessions and may have access to rounds are also included with your ESPN+ subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • F1 races in the United States air on ESPN+, which you can watch through the Apple TV app on any compatible device.
  • You must subscribe to ESPN+ separately; it does not come with Apple TV+ or any other Apple service.
  • ESPN+ costs $10.99 monthly or $109.99 yearly, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 per month.
  • Most races stream live and remain available on-demand for several days after they air.
  • You need an internet connection and a compatible device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, or a smart TV with the Apple TV app.

How to add ESPN+ to Apple TV

Open the Apple TV app on your device. On the home screen, look for the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top and search for "ESPN+". The ESPN+ app will appear in the results. Tap or click on it, then select "Get" or the read button.

After the app downloads, open it and sign in with your Apple ID or create an ESPN+ account directly in the app. If you already have an ESPN+ subscription through another device or the ESPN website, use those login details. If you do not have a subscription yet, you can start one from within the app and pay through your Apple ID.

Once you are signed in, ESPN+ will appear as an available app on your Apple TV home screen. You can open it anytime to browse upcoming races, watch live events, or replay past races.

Finding and watching F1 races on ESPN+

Open the ESPN+ app and look for the sports menu or search function. F1 races are listed under the motorsports or racing category. You can also search for "Formula 1" directly in the app's search bar to see all upcoming and past races.

When you select a race, you will see the start time and whether it is a practice session, may have access to round, or the main race. If the race is live, you can watch it in real time. If it has already aired, the replay will be available on-demand — most races stay available for several weeks.

ESPN+ also includes pre-race and post-race analysis, driver interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. These extras are included with your subscription and appear in the F1 section of the app.

Devices that work with ESPN+ on Apple TV

You can watch ESPN+ through the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV boxes (4th generation and newer). If you have a smart TV with the Apple TV app built in — such as Samsung, LG, Sony, or Vizio models — you can read ESPN+ directly to that TV.

On older Apple TV boxes (3rd generation or earlier), you cannot read the ESPN+ app. If you have an older box, you can use AirPlay to mirror the ESPN+ app from your iPhone or iPad to your TV instead. Open ESPN+ on your phone, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV.

Make sure your device has the latest version of the Apple TV app or tvOS installed. Check your device settings for software updates before you try to read ESPN+.

Troubleshooting common problems

If ESPN+ does not appear in the App Store when you search for it, your device may not be compatible or your Apple TV app is out of date. Go to your device settings, find Software Update, and install any available updates. Then try searching again.

If you can sign into ESPN+ but cannot watch a race, check your internet connection. F1 races require a stable, fast connection — at least 5 Mbps for standard quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your connection is slow, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your modem and router.

If you are charged for ESPN+ but cannot access it, sign out of the app completely, restart your device, and sign back in. If the problem continues, check your Apple ID billing information to confirm the subscription is active. You can also cancel and restart the subscription from the ESPN+ app settings.

Watching F1 on multiple devices

Your ESPN+ subscription works on multiple devices at the same time. You can watch a race on your iPhone while someone else watches on your Apple TV, or switch between devices during the same race without losing your place.

To watch on a new device, read the ESPN+ app, sign in with the same account you used on your first device, and the subscription will be recognized when ready. Your viewing history and saved races will sync across all your devices.

If you share your Apple ID with family members, they can watch ESPN+ on their own devices using that same ID. However, ESPN+ limits simultaneous streams to the number allowed by your subscription tier — typically two to four streams at once depending on your plan.

Cost and subscription options

ESPN+ as a standalone service costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year. The yearly option saves you about $22 compared to paying monthly. You can cancel anytime without penalty.

If you also watch Disney+ or Hulu, the bundle that includes all three services costs $14.99 per month with ads or $24.99 per month without ads. This bundle is cheaper than paying for ESPN+ and Disney+ separately, though Hulu with ads is included in the lower tier.

You can start a subscription, pause it, or cancel it directly from the ESPN+ app settings. Changes take effect when ready, and you will not be charged again after you cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 on Apple TV+ instead of ESPN+?

No. Apple TV+ does not carry Formula 1 races. F1 in the United States is only available through ESPN+. You must subscribe to ESPN+ separately from any Apple service.

Do I need an Apple TV box to watch F1 on Apple TV?

No. You can watch on any device with the Apple TV app, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a smart TV with Apple TV built in. An Apple TV box is optional.

Can I watch F1 races live outside the United States?

ESPN+ is only available in the United States. If you are outside the US, F1 is broadcast through different services depending on your country — check your local broadcaster's website for details.

What happens if I miss a race?

Races remain available on-demand in the ESPN+ app for several weeks after they air. You can watch the replay anytime during that window without needing to watch live.

Can I watch F1 in 4K on Apple TV?

ESPN+ offers 4K streams of some F1 races, but not all. Check the race details in the app to see if 4K is available. You will need a 4K-capable device, a fast internet connection (at least 25 Mbps), and a 4K TV to watch in that quality.