F1 Live Stream 2026: Official Broadcasters, Free Options, & How to Watch Every Grand Prix
To F1 Live Stream 2026, the primary options have shifted significantly, with Apple TV+ becoming the exclusive home for F1 in the United States, replacing ESPN. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 remains the sole broadcaster for live races, while Australia continues with Kayo Sports and Fox Sports. International fans in eligible regions can still rely on F1 TV Pro for a direct-to-consumer experience, offering comprehensive live coverage, onboard cameras, and team radio, though availability is restricted in countries with exclusive TV rights deals like the UK and Germany.
The Major Broadcast Shake-Up: F1 on Apple TV+
The 2026 Formula 1 season marks the beginning of a historic partnership between Formula 1 and Apple.
For the first time, a global streaming service has secured exclusive rights to a major region. Apple TV+ will broadcast all race weekends live in the US.
This deal includes every practice session, qualifying round, and the Grand Prix itself. It represents a move away from traditional cable reliability.
Subscribers to Apple TV+ will get access to F1 TV Pro features integrated directly into the app. This means multi-screen viewing and driver tracking are included.
The move aims to consolidate F1’s growing American fanbase into a single, high-quality digital ecosystem. Audio and video quality are expected to be industry-leading.
What This Means for US Viewers
If you live in the United States, your existing cable package with ESPN will no longer grant you access to live F1 races.
You must subscribe to Apple TV+ to watch the 2026 season legally. The cost is currently $12.99 per month, but bundle deals are available.
Apple has promised that select races will be available for free within the Apple TV app as a teaser for new fans.
This strategy mimics their approach to Major League Soccer (MLS), which has seen significant success in growing the sport’s demographic.
Current F1 TV Pro subscribers in the US will likely have their accounts migrated or will need to switch to the Apple integration.
How to Watch F1 Live Stream 2026 by Country
Broadcasting rights are fragmented globally. Here is a detailed breakdown of where to watch F1 in major English-speaking territories.
United Kingdom: Sky Sports F1
In the UK, Sky Sports continues its long-standing monopoly on live Formula 1 coverage.
To watch every session live, you need a Sky Sports subscription with the dedicated F1 channel add-on.
NOW (formerly NOW TV) is the best option for cord-cutters. It offers daily or monthly passes to stream Sky Sports online closer to race day.
Channel 4 will continue to broadcast highlights of qualifying and the race, usually a few hours after the event concludes.
The only exception is the British Grand Prix, which is mandated to be shown live on free-to-air television in the UK.
F1 TV Pro is not available in the UK for live racing due to Sky’s exclusive contract. You can only use F1 TV Access for replays.
Australia: Kayo Sports and Foxtel
Australian fans have arguably the best streaming options in the world for sports reliability.
Fox Sports holds the rights, and they broadcast every session live in 4K Ultra HD on Foxtel boxes.
For streamers, Kayo Sports is the go-to platform. It streams the Fox Sports feed without the need for a cable contract.
Kayo offers unique features like “RaceView,” allowing you to watch four screens at once, including onboard cameras and a timing monitor.
Free-to-air coverage is limited. Network 10 usually shows the Australian Grand Prix live but only highlights for other races.
Canada: TSN and RDS
In Canada, TSN (The Sports Network) remains the English-language rights holder for the 2026 season.
You can stream races live via the TSN+ app if you do not have a cable subscription.
French-language coverage is provided effectively by RDS, which often employs its own commentary team.
Uniquely, F1 TV Pro is still available in Canada. This gives Canadians a choice between the broadcaster’s feed and independent F1 streaming.
New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
Do not confuse this with the UK version. Sky Sport NZ holds independent rights for Formula 1 in New Zealand.
They offer a streaming service called Sky Sport Now, which can be purchased on a weekly or monthly basis.
Spark Sport previously held rights but exited the sports streaming market, returning dominance to Sky.
F1 TV Pro: The Ultimate Fan Experience
For hardcore fans, F1 TV Pro is the gold standard of live streaming services.
It gives you full control over how you watch the Grand Prix, with fewer commercials than traditional TV.
Key Features of F1 TV Pro
- Live Stream: Watch every track session live without commercial breaks.
- Onboard Cameras: Switch between all 20 driver cameras instantly.
- Team Radio: Listen to uncensored team-to-driver communications.
- Data Channel: View live leaderboards, sector times, and tyre usage data.
- Archive: Access replays of every F1 race dating back decades.
Where is F1 TV Pro Available?
It is available in over 85 territories, including most of Europe (excluding UK/Germany), South America, and parts of Asia.
In 2026, its availability in the USA changes due to the Apple TV+ partnership, but the features remain accessible via Apple.
Check the official Formula 1 website for the most up-to-date list of supported countries before subscribing.
Free F1 Live Stream Options 2026
While most countries require a paid subscription, some nations still broadcast F1 for free on public television.
You can access these streams legally if you are a resident of these countries or are traveling there.
Austria: ORF and ServusTV
Austria splits the broadcasting rights between two free-to-air channels: ORF and ServusTV.
They alternate races, meaning half the season is on ORF and the other half on ServusTV.
Both channels offer high-quality HD streams on their respective websites and apps.
Belgium: RTBF
In the French-speaking part of Belgium, RTBF broadcasts every qualifying session and race live for free.
The commentary is in French, but the visual potential of the stream is excellent (1080p).
You can watch this via the RTBF Auvio platform, which requires a free account creation.
Luxembourg: RTL Zwee
RTL Zwee often broadcasts races with German or Luxembourgish commentary.
It is a reliable backup option for European viewers looking for free-to-air coverage.
Comparing Verified Broadcasters
| Country | Broadcaster | Est. Monthly Price | Free Option? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Apple TV+ | $12.99 | Select Races |
| UK | Sky Sports F1 | £34.00+ | British GP Only |
| Australia | Kayo Sports | AUD $35 | Australian GP Only |
| Canada | TSN+ / F1 TV | CAD $20 | No |
| Austria | ORF / ServusTV | Free | Yes (All) |
| Belgium | RTBF | Free | Yes (All) |
| India | FanCode | ₹599 (Season) | No |
How to use a VPN to Stream F1
If you are traveling abroad, you may find your regular streaming service is geo-blocked.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you access content you already pay for from back home.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a Reliable VPN: Premium services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN are recommended for their speed and ability to bypass blocks.
- Install the App: Download the VPN application on your streaming device (Laptop, Phone, Fire Stick).
- Connect to a Server: Choose a server location that matches your home country (e.g., connect to a London server for Sky Go).
- Clear Cookies: It is a good practice to clear your browser cache to remove old location data.
- Log In and Watch: Go to your streaming provider’s website and log in as normal.
Note: Always ensure you are complying with the terms of service of your chosen streaming provider.
2026 F1 Calendar: Races You Can’t Miss
The 2026 season is pivotal due to the introduction of new engine regulations.
Manufacturers like Audi and Ford (via Red Bull) are entering the fray, making every race a must-watch.
While the official calendar is subject to FIA confirmation, here are the expected key events:
- Bahrain Grand Prix – The traditional season opener under lights.
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – A high-speed street circuit thriller.
- Australian Grand Prix – A fan favorite in Melbourne.
- Miami Grand Prix – The first of the American spectacles.
- Monaco Grand Prix – The crown jewel of Formula 1.
- British Grand Prix – High-speed drama at Silverstone.
- Las Vegas Grand Prix – Racing down the famous Strip.
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – The season finale at Yas Marina.
Expect a record-breaking 24 races, putting immense pressure on teams and offering more action for fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I watch F1 on YouTube TV in 2026?
Likely not for the live races in the US. With Apple TV+ securing exclusivity, channels on YouTube TV (like ESPN) will no longer carry the Grand Prix.
Is F1 TV Pro better than Sky Sports?
F1 TV Pro is cheaper and offers more user control (onboard cameras). However, Sky Sports provides higher production value, pre-race shows, and expert analysis from former champions like Martin Brundle.
What devices support Apple TV+ for F1?
Apple TV+ is available on almost all modern smart TVs (Samsung, LG), gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox), Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and naturally, all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac).
Will the 2026 cars be faster?
The 2026 regulations focus on sustainable fuels and increased electrical power. While straight-line speed will be high, the cars are designed to be slightly smaller and lighter to improve agility and racing quality.
Can I watch F1 live stream on my mobile?
Yes. All major broadcasters (Apple TV+, Sky Go, Kayo, TSN app) offer dedicated mobile applications for iOS and Android.
Conclusion
The 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be a watershed moment for the sport, both on the track with new cars and off it with new broadcast partners.
The shift to Apple TV+ in the US signifies the sport’s total embrace of the digital streaming era.
For fans in the UK and Australia, reliable favorites like Sky and Kayo remain the best way to catch the action.
Regardless of where you live, ensuring you have the right subscription before the lights go out in Bahrain is essential.
Check your local listings, consider a VPN for travel flexibility, and prepare for the most technologically advanced F1 season in history.