Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process.

F1 Live Stream 2025: How to Watch Formula 1 for Free

Getting an F1 live stream free can be tricky, so we've done the hard work for you. This guide shares the F1 race schedule, free and paid streaming options, and steps on how to bypass any blocks you come across. Keep reading to find out more.

Sandra PattisonJackie Leavitt

Written by Sandra Pattison (Writer, Editor)

Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Co-Chief Editor)

Last Updated:

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: F1 Live Stream

  1. Grab a subscription at a 72% discount from NordVPN’s website. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a server in Austria, Belgium or Luxembourg.
  3. Stream F1 races for free on ServusTV and ORF (Austria), RTBF (Belgium) or RTL Zwee (Luxembourg).

Best VPNs for Streaming Formula 1 Races:

  1. NordVPN — Top-tier VPN with uncompromising performance. Sign up now to get 72% off the first two years.
  2. Surfshark — Affordable protection for the whole family. Surfshark offers 66% (plus 3 months free) off on the first two years for new users.
  3. ExpressVPN — Hassle-free VPN with advanced capabilities. ExpressVPN is available at a 25% discount and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What to know about Watching F1 for Free Online:

  • 2025 Season: The F1 2025 season starts Friday, March 14 in Australia. Max Verstappen won both the 2023 and 2024 F1 World Championships, and this season is about to begin.
  • Stream for Free: There are plenty of options for streaming F1 races completely free, including RTBF (Belgium), ServusTV and ORF (Austria), RTL Zwee (Luxembourg), and SRF, RTS or RSI (Switzerland)
  • Bypass Geoblocks: If you’re not in any of those countries, you can use a VPN to access your chosen service. NordVPN is the best option for this, and you can try it risk-free.
Best VPN for Streaming Formula 1

This year marks Formula One’s 75th anniversary, but finding an F1 live stream free can be pretty tricky, depending on the country you’re in, especially for cord cutters. Thankfully, there is a way for fans to stream each Formula 1 race online and completely free, but there’s a catch — you need the help of a VPN (virtual private network).

A VPN allows you to connect to a server in another country. That masks your true IP address, making you look like you’re actually there. By doing this, you can easily bypass the geoblocks put in place by many streaming services, such as those that broadcast Formula 1.

You can’t just use any VPN, though. Not all providers are capable of unblocking streaming services and others don’t have fast enough speeds to prevent buffering. That’s why we recommend using one of the best VPNs available, such as NordVPN. Keep reading to find out where you can watch the next race live and on-demand for free.

  • Updated to the 2022 Formula 1 season; refocused article on how to watch F1 for free.

  • Updated to the 2023 Formula 1 season.

  • 11/02/2023

    Cloudwards updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.

  • 08/15/2024 Facts checked

    We updated the article to present PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN for streaming F1.

  • 10/01/2024

    We improved this how-to guide and adjusted the VPN order based on recent advancements.

  • 12/07/2024

    Cloudwards updated this guide to include updated information on the 2024 F1 schedule, as well as where to watch it for free.

  • 03/14/2025 Facts checked

    We updated this guide for the 2025 Formula One World Championship.

  • 03/22/2025 Facts checked

    We refreshed this guide to add information about recent NordVPN developments and more considerations for using a VPN to stream Formula One.

Quick Answer: How to Live Stream F1 For Free

You can watch F1 live streams for free on RTL Zwee (Luxembourg), RTBF (Belgium), and ORF and ServusTV (Austria). If you’re not in any of those countries, you can use a VPN to gain access.

If you can’t watch races live, most of these services also offer Formula 1 replays and on-demand content, so you’ll never have to miss any of the action.

Can You Stream F1 Live?

Yes. Though F1 TV Pro is the official Formula One streaming service, you can also stream it live on many of the free channels — if you’re not in the correct country, a VPN can help. Alternatively, if you’re in the U.S., you can use a live TV streaming service, such as Sling TV, to watch it live on ESPN, or sign up for sports streaming service ESPN+ and watch it live there. 

Some services offer simulcast options that let you watch F1 races with alternative commentary or analysis, giving you different perspectives on the race.

What’s more, some streaming services offer access to F1 on-board cameras that let you experience the race from the driver’s perspective, giving you a more immersive viewing experience.

In addition to video streams, many F1 fans enjoy access to F1 live timing data which provides real-time information about lap times, sector times and intervals between drivers during races.

How to Stream F1 Live For Free

We’ve given you a quick view above, but this section provides more information on the free F1 streaming options by country. Also, keep in mind that many countries will air their own Grand Prix for free, such as Australia showing the Australian Grand Prix on 10Play for free and Canada showing the Canadian Grand Prix on CTV (English) and Noovo (French) for free.

Though the French Grand Prix is no longer on the calendar, French commentary is still available through services like RTBF for fans who prefer watching Formula 1 in French.

ServusTV and ORF: Austria

You can watch all F1 races on ServusTV and ORF completely free in Austria. Races will alternate between the two services. If you’re not in Austria, connect to an Austrian VPN server to access the services.

RTBF: Belgium

You can get a live stream of every race with RTBF in Belgium. Note that it has French commentary. If you’re not in France, use a French VPN server to unblock the service.

RTL Zwee: Luxembourg

RTL Zwee in Luxembourg will show every F1 race for free. The commentary is in Luxembourgish. If you’re not in the country, you can easily hop on a Luxembourg server to watch RTL Zwee.

SRF, RTS & RSI: Switzerland

These channels are part of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. All three provide free coverage of F1 races, but in different languages. SRF is in German, RTS is in French and RSI is in Italian. Regardless of the language, you will need to connect to a server in Switzerland to gain access.

ABC: United States

While the main broadcaster for F1 in the U.S. is ESPN, several races, including the U.S. Grand Prix, will be available to watch for free on ABC. However, this is only good for those already in the U.S. with a TV provider log-in or if you have a subscription to a live TV streaming service that includes ABC, such as YouTube TV. 

Channel 4 (My4): United Kingdom

Sky Sports holds the exclusive rights to F1 races in the U.K., and you can stream it online with a Now Sports membership. However, you can also watch extended race highlights on Channel 4 (My4) for free. My4 will also show the British GP live for free. You’ll need a U.K. IP address to get access, but a VPN will help you there.

How to Watch F1 Live for Free on Phone

Watching Formula 1 for free on your phone isn’t a tricky task. If you’re not in the correct country for your chosen service, you’ll need to install a VPN app. Also, your phone’s GPS can trigger geoblocks even while connected to a VPN. A good way to get around this is to access the service via a browser, rather than the dedicated app. Here are steps for how to watch on iPhone and Android.

How to Live Stream F1 For Free on iPhone

Follow the steps below to start streaming F1 on your iPhone:

  1. Sign up for a VPN like NordVPN, which has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Download and install the app from the Apple App Store.
  3. Connect to a server in the country where the service is, such as Belgium for RTBF.
  4. Go to the service’s website and start streaming Formula 1.

How to Live Stream F1 For Free on Android

If you’re using an Android phone, follow the steps below to stream F1:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN such as NordVPN — you’re covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Download and install the VPN app from the Google Play Store.
  3. Connect to a server in the country you need to access, like Austria for ServusTV and ORF.
  4. Go to your chosen service’s website and start streaming F1 races.

How to Watch F1 Free Online With a VPN

If you want to stream every F1 race for free and live, the following steps will help you. We’ve used the best VPN, NordVPN, for this example, along with RTBF in Belgium. If you want to watch F1 live streams on a different service, just change the steps where needed.

  1. Sign Up for a VPN Service

    In your browser, go to the NordVPN website and sign up for a plan. The two-year plan is the best value and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.

    nordvpn step 1
  2. Download and Install the App

    Download and install the VPN app on the device you want to stream on. After that, open the app and log in to your account.

    nordvpn step 2
  3. Connect to a Belgium Server

    Find and connect to a server in Belgium. You can use either the map or server list on NordVPN’s app. Simply click on a server to connect to it. Remember, if you want to watch F1 on a different service, choose the relevant server.

    nordvpn belgium
  4. Go to the RTBF Website

    Visit RTBF’s website (or the service you prefer) and search for Formula 1. Once you’ve found it, you can start streaming F1 races when they air.

    f1 live stream free rtbf

Before we move on, note that using a VPN for F1 streaming offers another significant advantage: preventing ISP throttling.

Many internet service providers intentionally slow down streaming traffic during peak hours or when they detect high-bandwidth activities like watching live sports. By encrypting your connection, a VPN masks what you’re doing online, preventing your ISP from targeting your F1 streams for throttling.

The Best VPNs to Watch Formula 1 Online

There are more VPN providers on the market than Michael Schuhmacher has trophies. Fortunately, you don’t have to test every single one — we did the work for you. Our top three providers, NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, all have a few things in common:

Here’s a brief overview of each of the three services.

1. NordVPN — Best Formula 1 VPN

nordvpn-switzerland
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for those focused on security and privacy.
Best VPN for Streaming Formula 1

Pros

  • Extensive security features
  • User-friendly desktop UI
  • Fast download speeds

Cons

  • macOS lacks split tunneling
  • Few servers in Africa
  • High latency on distant servers

Stream without limits — join NordVPN now and get 72% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Download
87 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
9 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
3 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/27/25 to 04/24/25
Data for region:

NordVPN is our favorite VPN and it has the fastest available speeds. The provider also has worldwide servers available and it can easily access streaming platforms.

NordVPN is consistently developing to enhance privacy, security and streaming experience. For example, it recently launched NordWhisper, a specialized VPN protocol designed to make it easier to get past blocks on networks that restrict VPN traffic. This makes it a top choice for streaming F1 races in countries with heavy internet restrictions.

In addition, if you prefer using a browser extension instead of the full VPN app, NordVPN’s browser extension now features enhanced location spoofing that can set your browser to use both the location and time zone of the server you’re connected to, helping to provide a more consistent streaming experience.

If you’re willing to commit for 24 months, you’ll get solid performance at a low price of $3.09 per month. For more info on our price-performance favorite, check out our NordVPN review.

Plus
  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Complete
  • *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes
Prime
  • **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
  • 10

2. Surfshark — Best Cheap VPN for Formula 1

surfshark-belgium
Surfshark has cheap long-term plans and allows unlimited devices to connect to the service.

Pros

  • Strong security suite options
  • Solid security
  • Excellent speeds

Cons

  • Site may collect your real IP
  • High latency on close servers
  • No Mac/iOS split tunneling

Bypass content blocks and save 66% (plus 3 months free) — subscribe to Surfshark’s best deal today.

Download
93 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
9 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
4 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/27/25 to 04/24/25
Data for region:

Surfshark is a great NordVPN alternative, offering fast speeds, wide server coverage and ad blocking. An all-round excellent choice for watching F1 races.

Surfshark costs $2.19 per month on the two-year plan, and you can get a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied with the service. Our Surfshark review has more info.

Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

3. ExpressVPN — Best User-Friendly VPN for Formula 1

expressvpn-luxembourg
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for streaming sports and has a large server network.

Pros

  • Extensive server network
  • Very fast speeds
  • Unblocks all streaming services

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No anonymous payment methods
  • Owned by Kape Technologies

Expand your streaming library — sign up for ExpressVPN and enjoy 25% off your first two years.

Download
91 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
9 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
4 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 03/27/25 to 04/24/25
Data for region:

ExpressVPN offers 166 server locations in 105 countries, compatibility with all devices and operating systems, and consistently high surfing speeds. This makes the premium provider perfect for F1 HD streaming.

ExpressVPN costs $4.99 per month on the two-year plan, plus you get four months free. You can learn more about it in our detailed ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Plans
  • Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 8
  • Yes

Can You Live Stream F1 for Free Without a VPN?

It depends on where you’re located. There are many free F1 streaming options, but unless you’re physically in the country where they’re available, you’ll need to use a VPN to gain access.

Where Can You Watch F1 Race Live? 

If you’re already subscribed to a paid service or don’t mind signing up, here are all the services that offer premium access to F1.

ServiceCountryFree trial?
ESPN+U.S. 🇺🇸No
Now SportsU.K. 🇬🇧No
DAZNSpain 🇪🇸
Andorra 🇦🇩
No
Canal+France 🇫🇷Seven-day free trial
TSNCanada 🇨🇦No
Sky ItaliaItaly 🇮🇹No
Sky DeutschlandGermany 🇩🇪No
ViaplayNetherlands 🇳🇱
Denmark 🇩🇰
Finland 🇫🇮
Iceland 🇮🇸
Norway 🇳🇴
Sweden 🇸🇪
Two-week free trial
F1 TVU.S. 🇺🇸
and many other countries
Free version (with ads and delayed viewing)

Premium (ad-free) has a 7-day free trial (selected countries)

How to Watch F1 Live in the US

You can watch F1 live on ESPN in the U.S. Coverage will be spread across the ESPN and ESPN2 channels, as well as on ESPN+. If you don’t have cable or ESPN+, you can watch ESPN by signing up for a live TV streaming service that has ESPN channels, such as Sling TV (Sling Orange plan).

Fubo TV is another excellent option for US viewers wanting to stream F1 races, as it includes ESPN channels in its basic package and offers a 7-day free trial.

How to Watch F1 Live in the UK

F1 is available on Sky Sports in the U.K., but if you don’t have a cable package, you can sign up for streaming service Now Sports and watch F1 live streams there. 

Formula 1 News

The 2025 Formula 1 season is already delivering spectacular racing action with McLaren’s Lando Norris securing a stunning victory at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell.

This marks McLaren’s first win in Melbourne since 2012 and signals their competitive resurgence. The season has also witnessed dramatic moments, including debutant Isack Hadjar’s formation lap crash in Australia.

Looking ahead, the Chinese Grand Prix returns to the calendar on March 21–23 after a five-year absence due to COVID-19 restrictions, featuring both sprint and traditional race formats at the challenging Shanghai International Circuit.

With rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressing with a fourth-place finish in his Mercedes debut in Australia, and the McLaren-Red Bull battle intensifying, the 2025 season promises fierce competition for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

2025 F1 Calendar

The test days took place in February, two weeks before the first race in Australia on Friday, March 14. The final 2025 F1 race will take place in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, December 7.

Don’t miss any Sprint Qualifying sessions throughout the season — these mini races determine the grid for certain Grand Prix events and can be streamed using the same free services as the main races. Six of the Grand Prix will include Sprint Qualifying:

CountryVenueDate
ChinaShanghaiMarch 21-23
USAMiamiMay 2-4
BelgiumSpa-FrancorchampsJuly 25-27
USAAustinOctober 17-19
BrasilSao PauloNovember 7-9
QatarLusailNovember 28-30
Here is the complete 2025 F1 Grand Prix schedule:
Grand Prix F1 CircuitLocationDate
1Australian GPAlbert ParkMelbourneMarch 16
2Chinese GPShanghai International CircuitShanghaiMarch 23
3Japanese GPSuzuka CircuitSuzuka CityApril 6
4Bahrain GPBahrain International CircuitSakhirApril 13
5Saudi Arabian GPJeddah Street CircuitJeddahApril 20
6Miami GPMiami International Autodrome MiamiMay 4
7Emilia Romagna GPAutodromo Enzo e Dino FerrariImola, ItalyMay 18
8Monaco GPCircuit de MonacoMonte CarloMay 25
9Spanish GPCircuit de CatalunyaBarcelonaJune 1
10Canadian GPCircuit Gilles VilleneuveMontrealJune 15
11Austrian GPRed Bull RingSpielbergJune 29
12British GPSilverstone CircuitSilverstoneJuly 6
13Belgian GPCircuit de Spa-FrancorchampsSpaJuly 27
14Hungarian GPHungaroringBudapestAug. 3
15Netherlands GPCircuit ZandvoortZandvoortAug. 31
16Italian GPAutodromo Nazionale MonzaMonzaSept. 7
17Azerbaijan GPBaku City CircuitBakuSept. 21
18Singapore GPMarina Bay Street CircuitSingaporeOct. 5
19USA GPCircuit of The AmericasAustinOct. 19
20Mexican GPAutodromo Hermanos RodriguezMexico CityOct. 26
21Brazilian GPAutodromo Jose Carlos PaceSao PauloNov. 9
22Las Vegas GPLas Vegas Street CircuitLas VegasNov. 23
23Qatar GPLusail International CircuitLusailNov. 30
24Abu Dhabi GPYas Marina CircuitYas MarinaDec. 7

Final Thoughts

We hope your guide has helped you to stream F1 for free. Remember, if you’re not in the same country as your chosen service, a VPN is the tool you need. Just connect to a server in the same country as the service and you’ll unblock it. 

NordVPN is the best tool for watching F1 live streams, and its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can easily get a refund if you don’t like it.

Where will you be streaming F1? Will you need to use a VPN? Let us know which one in the comments section and if you’re a fan of the Formula E World Championship, check out our guide on how to watch Formula E for free. As always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: F1 Free Live Stream

↑ Top