F1 is not free on Apple TV, and there is no plan to make it free
Formula 1 races are not broadcast on Apple TV at all, whether free or paid. Apple does not hold the rights to show F1 in any country. The races air on ESPN (in the United States), Sky Sports (in the United Kingdom), and other regional broadcasters depending on where you live. If you want to watch F1, you need to subscribe to whichever service holds the rights in your location — or pay per race on some platforms.
This matters because people sometimes confuse Apple TV+ (Apple's subscription streaming service) with Apple TV (the hardware device and the TV app that comes on it). Apple TV+ carries movies and original shows like Ted Lasso and Severance, but not sports. The Apple TV app itself can let you buy or rent individual movies and shows from other providers, but F1 is not sold that way either.
Key Takeaways
- F1 races are broadcast by ESPN in the United States, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, and other regional networks — not by Apple.
- Apple TV+ does not carry Formula 1 content and has no announced plans to acquire the rights.
- In the United States, you can watch F1 on ESPN+ (a separate subscription from Apple TV+) or on cable ESPN.
- Some races are also available on ESPN's main cable channel, which may be included in your cable package.
- F1TV Pro, the official F1 streaming service, is available in some countries but not the United States.
Where to watch F1 in the United States
ESPN holds the broadcast rights to Formula 1 in the United States. All races air on ESPN+, which is a separate subscription from Apple TV+. ESPN+ costs about $11 per month on its own, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for a lower combined price. Some races also air on the main ESPN cable channel, which you can watch if you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN.
ESPN+ is not part of Apple TV+, and you cannot watch it through the Apple TV app unless you subscribe to ESPN+ separately. The Apple TV app can show you ESPN+ content if you log in with your ESPN+ account, but you still have to pay ESPN directly.
Why Apple TV+ does not carry sports
Apple TV+ is designed around scripted shows, documentaries, and films — not live sports. Streaming live sports requires paying enormous rights fees to sports leagues and dealing with complex broadcast regulations that vary by country. Apple has not shown interest in entering the sports broadcasting market the way Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and traditional cable networks have.
Apple TV+ does carry some sports-related documentaries and films about athletes and teams, but these are not live races or matches. If you are looking for live F1 coverage, you will not find it on Apple TV+.
How ESPN+ works if you already use Apple services
If you subscribe to Apple TV+, you can still watch F1 on ESPN+ — they are two separate services. You would need to pay for ESPN+ in addition to whatever you already pay for Apple TV+. You can watch ESPN+ on your Apple TV device by downloading the ESPN app, or on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac by downloading the ESPN app there as well.
Some people bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu, which can save money if you use all three. That bundle costs less than paying for each one separately, but it is still separate from Apple TV+.
F1TV Pro and other regional options
In some countries outside the United States, F1TV Pro is the official streaming service for Formula 1. It shows all races live and offers on-demand replays. However, F1TV Pro is not available in the United States because ESPN holds the exclusive rights there. If you travel to a country where F1TV Pro operates, you may be able to subscribe to it, but it will not work in the US.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds the rights and is the main way to watch F1. In Canada, it is TSN. The broadcaster changes by region, so if you live outside the US, check what service holds the rights in your country.
What to do if you want to watch F1 without cable
Your best option in the United States is ESPN+. You do not need a cable subscription to use it — you can subscribe directly through the ESPN app or website. All races are included with the subscription, and you can watch them live or on demand after they air.
If you want to avoid another subscription, some races air on the main ESPN channel, which may be included in a cable package you already have. Check your cable provider's schedule to see which races are on cable versus ESPN+ only. Not every race airs on cable, so ESPN+ is the most reliable way to see all of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch F1 on Apple TV+ with a free trial?
Apple TV+ does not carry F1 at all, so a free trial would not help. ESPN+ sometimes offers free trials, though this varies by time and region. Check the ESPN+ website to see if a trial is currently available in your area.
Is there a way to watch F1 for free?
F1 is not broadcast free anywhere in the United States. You need either a cable subscription that includes ESPN, or a paid ESPN+ subscription. Some countries offer free or low-cost options through their regional broadcasters, but that depends on where you live.
Will Apple ever get the rights to broadcast F1?
There is no public announcement that Apple is pursuing F1 rights. ESPN's contract runs through 2025 in the United States, so the rights could change hands after that, but Apple has not indicated interest in bidding for them.
Can I watch F1 on the Apple TV app if I subscribe to ESPN+?
Yes. If you subscribe to ESPN+ separately, you can log into the ESPN app on your Apple TV device and watch races there. The Apple TV app itself does not show ESPN+ content, but the ESPN app does.
What is the difference between ESPN, ESPN+, and the ESPN app?
ESPN is the cable channel. ESPN+ is the streaming subscription. The ESPN app is where you watch ESPN+ on your phone, tablet, or TV. You need an ESPN+ subscription to use the app for live F1 races, but you can use the app to watch highlights and clips for free.