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Tuning in to watch Formula 1 races can sometimes be tricky due to geo-restrictions that limit access based on your location. Whether you’re traveling or living in a country where access to Formula 1 races is restricted, using a virtual private network (VPN) can provide you access to the fast-paced action.
This article explains how to bypass geo-restrictions using a VPN, ensuring you never miss out on a race. We’ll cover where you can watch the races and present our best VPNs for Formula 1.
How to watch Formula 1 with a VPN
The best VPNs to watch Formula 1
The benefits of using a VPN to watch Formula 1 online
FAQs
Bottom line
Where to watch Formula 1
Some local and free channels cover Formula 1 races, while others are available only through subscription options. Below is a breakdown of the main options, including subscription details, pricing, and trial offers:
Free channels
Channel 4 (U.K.)
- Description: Broadcasts highlights and select live races
- Pricing: Free
- Availability: United Kingdom
Paid platforms
F1 TV Pro
- Description: Official Formula 1 streaming service offering live races, on-demand replays, and exclusive content
- Pricing: $10.99/mo or $84.99/yr
- Free trial: Seven-day free trial (occasional promotional offer)
- Availability: Available in select countries
Sky Sports F1
- Description: Comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, including live races, practice sessions, and expert analysis
- Pricing: Sky Sports package from $23.85/mo (additional to Sky subscription)
- Free trial: Not available
- Availability: United Kingdom
ESPN
- Description: Broadcasts all Formula 1 races live
- Pricing: Included with most cable subscriptions
- Free trial: Available through streaming services that offer ESPN (e.g., Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV)
- Availability: United States
Streaming services
Hulu + Live TV
- Description: Includes ESPN
- Pricing: From $76.99/mo
- Free trial: Three-day free trial
YouTube TV
- Description: Includes ESPN
- Pricing: $72.99/mo ($57.99 for the first three months)
- Free trial: Seven-day free trial
Sling TV
- Description: Offers ESPN through its Sling Orange package
- Pricing: $40.00/mo ($20.00 for the first month)
- Free trial: 7-day free trial
DAZN
- Description: Offers live and on-demand sports, including Formula 1
- Pricing: $21.67/mo
- Free trial: 30-day free trial
- Availability: Various countries, including Spain, Japan, and Canada
How to watch Formula 1 with a VPN
Follow these steps to set up a VPN and watch Formula 1 races without geo-restrictions:
- Subscribe to a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN service that suits your needs. Look for features like high-speed connections and a wide range of server locations. (See our picks in the next section.)
- Download and install the VPN: Download the VPN application on your preferred device. Follow the installation instructions provided by the VPN service.
- Log in to your VPN account: Open the VPN application and log in with your credentials. This typically involves entering the username and password you created during the subscription process.
- Find and connect to your preferred server: Select a server located in a country where Formula 1 streaming is available. Common choices include the U.S., Sweden, the Netherlands, or New Zealand.
- Launch your streaming device: After connecting to the VPN server, launch the streaming app on your TV or mobile device.
- Log in to your preferred streaming platform: Log in to your preferred streaming platform, find the Formula 1 race, and enjoy watching without any restrictions.
The best VPNs to watch Formula 1
When trying to watch Formula 1 with a VPN, choosing the right provider is essential. You want to select a VPN that offers fast connection speeds, extensive server locations, and robust security features. Our best VPN picks are:
- NordVPN: This service stands out with its comprehensive network of over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, giving you ample options to find a fast and reliable connection. NordVPN also has strong security features, including double encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
- Surfshark VPN: Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users, starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years). Offering unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s ideal for large families or users with multiple devices. Surfshark has a user-friendly interface, combined with robust security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Get Surfshark VPN | Read Our Surfshark VPN Review
- ExpressVPN: With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers an abundance of fast and stable connections. Its Lightway protocol enhances streaming speed, while strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy ensure your privacy and security.
Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review
Best VPNs comparison
Best for | Strong security | Value seekers | Streaming quality |
Price | From $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | From $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | From $6.25/mo (billed annually) |
Max # of connected devices | 6 | Unlimited | 8 |
24/7 customer support | |||
Compatibility | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and more | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and more | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and more |
# of servers | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Undisclosed amount in 105 countries |
VPN protocol | OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway |
No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
Encryption | AES-256 or ChaCha20 | AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
Streaming support | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Learn more | Get NordVPN
Read NordVPN Review |
Get Surfshark VPN
Read Surfshark VPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN
Read ExpressVPN Review |
The benefits of using a VPN to watch Formula 1 online
There are a lot of benefits to using VPNs to stream Formula 1 online, such as bypassing geo-restrictions and improving streaming quality.
Access geo-restricted content
A VPN will allow you to watch Formula 1 from anywhere in the world, bypassing local restrictions on broadcasting. You can access streaming platforms that carry Formula 1 by connecting to a server located in one of the countries where races are available.
This is particularly useful for fans who travel frequently and want to keep up with the races without interruptions.
Avoid censorship
In some countries, there may be limited access to certain content, including sporting events such as Formula 1. In these cases, a VPN can help surmount these barriers by changing the IP address and making it seem like you are accessing the content from another location.
Enhance streaming quality
Internet service providers (ISPs) can throttle internet speeds, especially during high-bandwidth activities such as streaming. This brings undesirable buffering and low video quality. You can use a VPN to avoid this by encrypting your internet traffic.
VPN encryption makes it challenging for your ISP to discover that you are streaming Formula 1 races and reduce your speed.
Maintain privacy and security
Watching Formula 1 online with a VPN can enhance your privacy and security, since your data will be encrypted, keeping you safe from prospective hackers and surveillance. This is important if you like to place bets on Formula 1 and want to do it securely.
A VPN will help keep your private information and activities on the betting platform confidential and safe.
FAQs
What is the best Formula 1 streaming service?
The best streaming service for Formula 1 depends on your location and preferences. F1 TV Pro offers comprehensive coverage and exclusive content, making it a top choice for many fans.
Sky Sports F1 provides extensive coverage in the U.K., while ESPN is ideal for viewers in the United States.
Is it legal to watch Formula 1 with a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN to watch Formula 1 in most countries. However, you should ensure that you comply with the terms of service of the streaming platform you are using. Some platforms may have policies against using VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions.
Can I watch Formula 1 with a free VPN?
Although you can watch Formula 1 with a free VPN, it’s generally not advisable. Free VPNs often come with drawbacks like slower speeds, data limits, and limited server options, leading to a subpar streaming experience.
For optimal performance and security, opting for a paid VPN service is best.
Bottom line
Watching Formula 1 on a VPN has several advantages, including access to geo-restricted content, improved streaming quality, and enhanced privacy and security. When selecting a VPN, focus on key features such as server locations, connection speeds, security protocols, and the ability to bypass ISP throttling.
With the right choice of VPN, you can get seamless and unrestricted access to every Formula 1 race from anywhere across the globe.