F1 is available on YouTube TV, but only through ESPN channels

Yes, you can watch Formula 1 on YouTube TV. The races air on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC — all of which come with a YouTube TV subscription. You do not need a separate cable package or additional F1-specific service to watch live races, may have access to sessions, or practice rounds through YouTube TV's standard channel lineup.

The exact channel depends on which race weekend it is. Most races broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2, though some marquee events like the Monaco Grand Prix or the season finale may air on ABC. You can check the YouTube TV guide or ESPN's F1 schedule a few days before race weekend to confirm which channel will carry the specific event you want to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • F1 races in the United States broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC — all included in YouTube TV's base subscription.
  • You can watch live races, may have access to sessions, and practice rounds on the same channels without paying extra.
  • YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature lets you record races if you cannot watch them live, and recordings stay available for nine months.
  • The broadcast channel changes week to week, so check the ESPN F1 schedule or YouTube TV guide before race weekend.
  • YouTube TV requires an active subscription; there is no free tier, though the service offers a trial period for new accounts.

What channels carry F1 on YouTube TV

ESPN holds the broadcast rights to Formula 1 in the United States. That means all F1 content — races, may have access to, and practice sessions — airs exclusively on ESPN-owned channels. On YouTube TV, that translates to ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, depending on the race.

Most regular-season races air on ESPN or ESPN2. ABC typically gets the higher-profile events: the season opener in Bahrain, Monaco, Silverstone (British Grand Prix), and the season finale in Abu Dhabi often land on ABC because it reaches a broader audience. You can find the exact channel assignment on the ESPN F1 schedule, which updates as the season approaches.

YouTube TV's guide also displays the channel for each race. Open the app or website, search for "Formula 1" or navigate to the ESPN channel, and you will see upcoming F1 events listed with their broadcast time and channel.

How to find and watch F1 races on YouTube TV

Open the YouTube TV app or go to youtube.com/tv in a browser. Use the search bar at the top and type "Formula 1" or the specific race name (for example, "Monaco Grand Prix"). YouTube TV will show you all upcoming F1 events, the channel they air on, and the date and time.

When the race is live, click on the event and select the correct channel — ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. The stream will begin when ready. If you are watching on a phone or tablet, make sure you are connected to the internet; YouTube TV streams over WiFi or mobile data.

You can also navigate directly to the ESPN or ESPN2 channel in YouTube TV's channel guide and look for F1 events listed there. Some viewers find this faster if they already know which channel the race is on.

Recording F1 races with YouTube TV's DVR

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record any F1 race, may have access to session, or practice round at no extra cost. Recorded content stays in your library for nine months before it automatically deletes.

To record a race, open the event in the YouTube TV guide and select the record button (usually a circle icon). The system will record the entire broadcast, including pre-race coverage and commentary. You can then watch it anytime within that nine-month window, even if you miss the live air time.

This is useful if you cannot watch a race live because of your time zone or schedule. You can record it and watch it later without spoilers — YouTube TV does not show results in the guide or notifications once you have recorded an event.

YouTube TV subscription cost and what is included

YouTube TV costs a monthly fee that varies depending on your location and current promotions. The base subscription includes over 100 channels, among them ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and all the other networks that carry F1 races. There are no additional fees to watch F1 — it is part of the standard package.

The subscription also includes the cloud DVR feature, the ability to stream on multiple devices at once (up to three simultaneous streams), and access to YouTube TV's on-demand library. YouTube TV offers a trial period for new accounts, though the length and terms change periodically.

If you already subscribe to YouTube TV for other content, you do not need to upgrade or add anything to watch F1. If you do not yet have YouTube TV, you would need to start a subscription to access the ESPN channels that broadcast the races.

Watching F1 on multiple devices

YouTube TV lets you stream on up to three devices at the same time with a single subscription. You can watch a race on your TV while someone else in your household watches a different channel on a phone or tablet.

The app works on most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV), streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire Stick), phones and tablets (iOS and Android), and computers (Mac and Windows). read the YouTube TV app from your device's app store, sign in with your account, and you are ready to watch.

If you are traveling, you can watch F1 races on YouTube TV from anywhere in the United States as long as you have an internet connection. The service does not restrict streaming by location within the US.

Time zones and race start times on YouTube TV

Most F1 races take place in Europe, which means they air early morning in the United States. The Monaco Grand Prix, for example, typically starts at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. Races in the Middle East or Asia may air even earlier, sometimes between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Eastern.

YouTube TV displays all race times in your local time zone automatically. When you search for a race or look at the guide, the start time shown is already converted to your region. This makes it straightforward to plan whether you will watch live or record it to watch later.

Pre-race coverage usually begins 30 minutes to an hour before the race start, so if you want to watch the full broadcast, tune in a bit early. The DVR will capture everything if you record the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ESPN+ or a separate F1 subscription to watch on YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV's standard subscription includes ESPN and ESPN2, where all F1 races broadcast. You do not need ESPN+ or any other service. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that carries different sports content, but F1 races are not part of it in the United States.

Can I watch F1 practice and may have access to sessions on YouTube TV?

Yes. Practice sessions and may have access to rounds air on the same ESPN channels as the race itself. They are included in your YouTube TV subscription with no extra cost. Check the ESPN F1 schedule to see which channel and time each session airs.

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

Yes, if you record it using YouTube TV's DVR feature. Recorded races stay in your library for nine months. If you do not record it, you may be able to find highlights or full replays on ESPN's website or app, but YouTube TV itself does not keep a permanent on-demand library of past F1 races.

Can I watch F1 on YouTube TV outside the United States?

No. YouTube TV only works within the United States. If you are traveling internationally, you would need to use a different service that holds F1 broadcast rights in that country. F1TV Pro is available in many regions outside the US.

Is there a free way to watch F1 on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV offers a trial period for new accounts, which may let you watch races for free during that window. After the trial ends, you need an active paid subscription. The trial length and terms vary, so check YouTube TV's website for current offers.