How to Watch F1 Races on Apple TV

Where to Find F1 on Apple TV

F1 races are available through the ESPN+ app on Apple TV, not through Apple TV+ (the subscription service). You need an ESPN+ subscription to watch live races and replays. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service from Apple TV+, so if you already subscribe to Apple TV+, you will need to add ESPN+ as an additional subscription.

You can also bundle ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+ through Disney's bundle options, which may cost less than subscribing to each service separately. The bundle pricing varies, so check the ESPN+ app directly for current rates when you set up your account.

Some races may also air on ABC or ESPN linear channels, which you can watch through the ESPN app if you have a cable or streaming TV provider login. Check the F1 schedule in the ESPN app to see which races are on ESPN+ versus broadcast television.

Key Takeaways

F1 races stream through the ESPN+ app on Apple TV, which requires a separate subscription from Apple TV+.
You can watch live races, replays, and practice sessions through ESPN+ once you have an active account.
Some races broadcast on ABC or ESPN channels, which you can watch through the ESPN app if you have a cable or streaming provider login.
The ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ bundle may offer better pricing than subscribing to ESPN+ alone.
Race times and broadcast channels vary by location and change week to week, so check the F1 schedule in the ESPN app before race day.

Setting Up ESPN+ on Your Apple TV

Open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for "ESPN". read the official ESPN app (published by ESPN Inc.). Once installed, open the app and select "Sign In" or "Create Account" at the bottom of the screen.

If you already have an ESPN+ subscription through a web browser or phone, use those login credentials. If you do not have ESPN+ yet, select "Subscribe to ESPN+" within the app. You will be guided through payment setup using your Apple TV remote. Your subscription will be tied to your Apple ID, so make sure you are signed into the correct account on your Apple TV.

After you complete payment, return to the ESPN app home screen. You should see F1 content in the featured section or under the "Sports" menu. If you do not see F1 races listed, refresh the app by closing it completely and reopening it.

Finding and Starting a Live Race

Open the ESPN app and navigate to the "Schedule" or "Live" section. Look for "Formula 1" in the sport list, or scroll through upcoming events until you find the race you want to watch. The app displays the race name, start time in your local timezone, and which channel or service it is on.

Tap the race listing to open its detail page. If the race is on ESPN+, you will see a "Watch" button. Tap it to start the stream. If the race has not started yet, the button may say "Set Reminder" instead — tap that to get a notification when the race begins.

Live races usually start streaming 10 to 15 minutes before the official start time, so you can tune in early to watch pre-race coverage and driver interviews. If you miss the live broadcast, the full race replay becomes available in the ESPN+ library within a few hours, typically by the end of race day.

Watching Replays and Practice Sessions

ESPN+ keeps full race replays available for at least several weeks after each Grand Prix. To find a past race, open the ESPN app and go to "Schedule" or search for "Formula 1". Scroll down to find completed races, or use the search function to type a specific race name or driver.

Practice sessions and may have access to rounds are also available as replays if you miss them live. These appear in the same schedule view as the main race. Tap any session to watch the full broadcast from start to finish, with the same commentary as the live version.

You can also browse F1 highlights and clips under the "Highlights" or "Videos" section of the ESPN app. These are shorter edits of key moments from races, practice, and press conferences — useful if you want to catch up quickly without watching the full three-hour race.

Troubleshooting Common Playback Issues

If a race will not start, first check that your ESPN+ subscription is active. Open the ESPN app menu, go to "Account" or "Settings", and confirm your subscription status. If your subscription expired, you will need to renew it before the race will play.

If the stream keeps stopping or buffering, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it restarts, open the ESPN app again and try the race. A slow internet connection can also cause buffering — if you have other devices using your network, pause or disconnect them while watching.

If you see an error message saying the race is not available in your region, ESPN+ has blackout rules for certain races depending on where you live. Some races may only be available through cable or broadcast television in your area. Check the race detail page to see if it lists an alternative way to watch.

Managing Your ESPN+ Subscription

You can change your subscription plan or cancel anytime through the ESPN app or your Apple ID settings. To manage your subscription through Apple TV, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select your Apple ID, then choose "Subscriptions". Find ESPN+ in the list and tap it to see your plan details, billing date, and cancellation option.

If you subscribed through the ESPN app directly (rather than through Apple TV), you may need to manage your subscription through the ESPN website or the ESPN app on another device. Check your confirmation email to see which method you used.

Your ESPN+ account works across all your devices — phone, tablet, computer, and Apple TV. You can watch a race on your phone while traveling and pick up where you left off on your Apple TV at home, as long as you are signed into the same account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 races with a cable provider login instead of ESPN+?

Some races air on ABC or ESPN channels and can be watched through the ESPN app if you have a cable or streaming TV provider login (like Comcast, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV). Check the race schedule in the ESPN app to see which races are available this way. However, not all races are broadcast on cable — many are ESPN+ exclusive, so you will likely need both options to watch the full season.

Do I need Apple TV+ to watch F1 races?

No. F1 races stream through the ESPN+ app, which is separate from Apple TV+. You need an ESPN+ subscription, but Apple TV+ is not required. You only need Apple TV+ if you want to watch other shows and movies in that service.

Can I watch F1 on Apple TV if I live outside the United States?

ESPN+ is only available in the United States. If you live in another country, F1 races are broadcast through different services depending on your location — often through local broadcasters or streaming platforms specific to your region. Check what F1 streaming options are available in your country.

What happens if I cancel my ESPN+ subscription mid-season?

You will lose access to live races and replays as soon as your subscription ends. If you cancel before a race airs, you will not be able to watch that race on ESPN+. You can resubscribe at any time, but you will need to pay for a new subscription period.

Can I watch F1 on multiple Apple TVs with one ESPN+ subscription?

Yes, as long as all the Apple TVs are signed into the same Apple ID account. ESPN+ allows you to stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the exact number of simultaneous streams depends on your subscription plan. Check your ESPN+ account details to see how many devices can watch at once.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.