What Formula 1 content is available on Disney Plus
Disney Plus carries Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a documentary series that follows teams and drivers through a full racing season. Each season has 10 episodes, roughly 45 minutes each. The show focuses on the human drama behind the sport — team rivalries, driver struggles, and behind-the-scenes moments — rather than live race coverage.
Disney Plus does not stream live Formula 1 races or may have access to sessions. If you want to watch races as they happen, you need a different service. Drive to Survive is the only F1 content on Disney Plus, and new seasons typically arrive months after the racing season ends.
The series is included with your standard Disney Plus subscription at no extra cost. You do not need a premium tier or add-on package.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus has Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a documentary series about F1 teams and drivers, but not live race broadcasts.
- Each season covers one full racing year and arrives on Disney Plus several months after that season ends.
- Drive to Survive is included with any Disney Plus subscription and requires no additional payment.
- To watch live F1 races, you will need ESPN Plus, ABC, or another broadcaster depending on your location and cable package.
How to find and watch Drive to Survive
Open Disney Plus and use the search bar to type "Drive to Survive." The show appears under the Sports category and also shows up in search results. Click on the series title to see all available seasons.
Select the season you want to watch — Season 1 begins with the 2018 racing year, and the most recent season covers 2024. Click on an episode to start playing. Episodes play in order, though you can jump to any episode without watching from the beginning.
The show is available on all devices that support Disney Plus: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming boxes, and gaming consoles. Your viewing picks up where you left off if you switch devices.
When new seasons arrive on Disney Plus
Netflix originally produced Drive to Survive, and Disney Plus acquired the rights to stream it. New seasons typically arrive on Disney Plus in the spring or early summer, several months after the F1 racing season ends in December. Season 6 arrived in February 2024, for example.
The exact release date varies by year and is not announced far in advance. Check the Disney Plus app or search for "Drive to Survive" a few weeks into spring if you are waiting for a new season. Disney Plus will display the release date once it is confirmed.
Where to watch live Formula 1 races instead
ESPN Plus is the primary streaming home for live F1 races in the United States. A subscription to ESPN Plus costs money separate from Disney Plus, though Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu together at a lower combined price than buying them separately.
ABC also broadcasts some F1 races for free if you have cable or a cable login. Which races air on ABC versus ESPN Plus changes from year to year. Check the ESPN or ABC website at the start of the racing season to see the full schedule.
If you have cable, your provider may also offer F1 races through its own app or website. Contact your cable company to confirm what F1 content is included in your package.
Watching Drive to Survive without a cable subscription
You need only a Disney Plus subscription to watch Drive to Survive — no cable or additional services required. A Disney Plus subscription costs money, but it is a standalone service you can buy without cable.
If you want to watch live races without cable, ESPN Plus is your option. ESPN Plus is a separate subscription from Disney Plus, though Disney offers a bundle discount if you buy both together. Some races also air free on ABC.com if you log in with a cable account, but that requires cable elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Formula 1 races live on Disney Plus?
No. Disney Plus only has Drive to Survive, a documentary series about F1 teams and drivers. Live races air on ESPN Plus, ABC, or cable sports channels depending on your location and subscription. Check the ESPN schedule to see which races are broadcast where.
Do I need to watch Drive to Survive episodes in order?
No. Each season stands alone and covers one racing year. You can start with any season or jump to any episode. However, the show builds on storylines from previous seasons, so watching in order gives you more context about driver and team relationships.
Is Drive to Survive included in the Disney Plus bundle with ESPN Plus?
Yes. The Disney Bundle includes Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu. Drive to Survive is part of Disney Plus, so you can watch it through the bundle. Live F1 races are on ESPN Plus, which is also included in the bundle.
What if my country does not have Disney Plus?
Drive to Survive is available in most countries where Disney Plus operates, but availability varies. Check your local Disney Plus app to see if the show is available in your region. In some countries, F1 content may be on different streaming services or broadcasters.
How many seasons of Drive to Survive are on Disney Plus?
Six seasons are currently available, covering the 2018 through 2024 racing years. New seasons arrive in spring or early summer each year. The exact number of seasons may change as Disney Plus adds future seasons.