How to watch F1 live stream free online in 2025

The F1 World Championship is truly one of the greatest motorsport events on Earth. However, you may encounter difficulties trying to watch Formula 1 if you’re a cord cutter. And if you live in a region where there are no live streams available, you might miss out on the %%currentyear season altogether.

It is a minor issue if you acquire a reliable VPN, though. This tool encrypts your internet and allows bypassing geo-blocks to access any streaming platform with F1 broadcasts. In this article, I'll explain to you which VPN providers are the best to watch F1 live stream free online and which services let you watch F1 free online below.

Stream Formula 1 online

Why you need a VPN to watch F1 free stream

Despite the popularity, live F1 broadcasts aren’t available free across the globe. And it’s especially the case if you’re trying to tune into the latest race online. Not all streaming platforms have the rights to show Formula 1. Even the official F1 TV service can’t offer live streams free in all countries it supports.

Premium VPNs solve this problem by letting you virtually travel to another region by changing your IP address. If you connect to Austria, you’ll be able to access live F1 races on Servus TV or ORF. Those who pick a server in Belgium can stream F1 online for free via RTBF. I tried it myself and it works with almost every streaming service broadcasting live F1 races.

Of course, VPNs are great for general online security, too. Your internet traffic gets encrypted with an unbreakable cipher, meaning no one can snoop on what you’re doing on the web. Some services even include features like malware & ad blockers, letting your eyes rest from all those annoying pop-ups and advertisements.

Best VPNs for watching F1 live stream free

Not every sports streaming VPN will do if you want to have the best F1 experience. The provider should include the latest tunneling protocols for lag-free video playback. Another crucial aspect is a large server fleet for accessing a vast amount of foreign content. I also took into account ease of use, 24/7 customer support, and the quality of security features.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best VPN to watch F1 live stream free

The best VPN to live stream F1 for free is NordVPN. Its expansive network includes 7400+ RAM-only servers across 118+ countries, covering all continents. Plus, the service is one of the fastest VPNs in the industry, all thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol. All of it means that you’ll access F1 live streams from anywhere and enjoy 4K UDH quality.

NordVPN offers applications for desktops, mobiles, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. And if your device doesn’t support VPN software, the SmartPlay feature still lets you bypass geo-blocks on them. Alternatively, you can manually configure the VPN on your router for full household coverage.

The starting price for this great F1 VPN is just $3.39/month after applying a NordVPN coupon. Considering how easily this service breaks through geo-restrictions, it's well worth it. Scared of committing? Test it beforehand with the free 7-day trial, available via the Google Play Store.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark VPN – F1 VPN with great performance

Watch Formula 1 without cable today with Surfshark VPN. The service comes with 3200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, so accessing any streaming platform with live F1 broadcasts is easy. And since the connections are powered by the next-gen WireGuard protocol, seamless video playback is a guarantee.

Surshark subscribers can unblock Formula 1 live streams on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. There are also dedicated apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick if you want to watch the action on TV. Lastly, the Smart DNS feature helps circumvent geographical restrictions on other streaming peripherals such as Apple TV, Roku, etc.

With prices starting at $2.19/month, this VPN for Formula 1 is a true bargain as it unlocks countless streaming services. Just don’t forget to use a Surfshark VPN discount code during checkout. And curious cats can test it with a 7-day free trial by downloading it from the Google Play or Apple App Store.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN - budget-friendly F1 VPN with great safety features

Proton VPN is an excellent freemium option for streaming F1 without breaking the bank. With a network of 13000 servers in 122 countries, including Austria and Belgium, I had no trouble streaming F1 in full HD when connected to a server in Austria. It's important to note that users of the free version of PrivateVPN only have access to servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US. To access the full server network and gain the ability to select specific locations, you'll need to subscribe to PrivateVPN’s premium plan.

Although Proton VPN may not match the blistering speeds of NordVPN or Schumacher's Ferrari F2001b, its WireGuard protocol, paired with 10 Gbps servers, delivered an impressive 82% speed retention, sufficient for most streaming needs. Additionally, the VPN Accelerator feature minimizes buffering, especially from distant locations.

Proton VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and is compatible with major platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Chromebook. During testing, both Windows and macOS versions were easy to set up, though macOS users lack some features like IPv6 leak protection, split tunneling, and custom DNS servers, which are available only on Windows.

Overall, Proton VPN is a solid alternative to NordVPN for enjoying live Formula 1 broadcasts. Its WireGuard protocol ensures high-speed connections and minimal buffering, while the VPN Accelerator reduces lag. Plans start at $3.59, and Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also provides a free version with no data caps in selected countries.

For a deeper investigation, read our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. IPVanish - all-rounder Formula 1 VPN

IPVanish is another fast and secure F1 VPN focused on privacy. With a network of over 2400 servers in 109 countries, including key locations like Belgium and Austria, IPVanish provides excellent access to channels available in these regions. When I tested the streaming quality with a connection to Belgium’s servers, IPVanish delivered stable and high-quality streams. However, occasional lag was experienced, likely due to the long-distance connection from the US.

In terms of reliability, IPVanish ensures robust protection for user anonymity. Your traffic is encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption, and it includes features such as automatic Wi-Fi protection, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an optional SOCKS5 proxy. And for that extra peace of mind, IPVanish follows a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited.

IPVanish is a top choice for streaming live Formula 1 races. This provider offers a vast server network and the advanced WireGuard protocol for uninterrupted connections with minimal lag. It also supports smart TVs, including Apple TV and Android TV, so you can catch every thrilling moment of the F1 season as if you were in the local region. IPVanish subscriptions start at $2.19, and the service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, iOS users can enjoy a 7-day free trial to test its performance firsthand before locking in their subscription.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Best VPNs for watching F1 live stream: comparison

Where to watch Formula 1 online: paid options

Those wanting to stream F1 live online have plenty of options to pick from. Still, what streaming services are suitable for you depends on your location. For example, F1 TV Pro is the best choice for US residents, while UK citizens can watch the action unfold in real time on Sky Sports.

The services above work from anywhere with a reliable streaming VPN, letting you watch F1 without cable. Just connect to a country with the option that works the best for you.

How to watch F1 in the US

Thankfully, you don’t need a VPN in the US (although I still recommend it) to watch Formula 1. Many streaming services that have F1 races are available in this country. All you have to do is choose which one is the right fit for you:

• F1 TV Pro
• ESPN+
• Sling TV
• fuboTV
• Hulu + Live TV
• YouTube TV

The most important factor is that, apart from F1 TV Pro, these platforms have ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPN Deportes. These channels cover most of the F1 Grand Prix, and you’ll get access to plenty of other sporting events, too.

How to watch F1 in the UK

The official broadcasters in the UK are C4 (mostly highlights) and Sky Sports. If you don’t mind paying a little extra, Sky Sports F1 currently costs £15.00/month, and Formula 1 is also included in the Sky Sports Pass, which costs £34.99/month. You get eleven channels, including Sky Sports F1.

Additionally, you can also try out Now TV. You can commit for a longer period with the Sports Membership for £33.99/month. Naturally, pick a suitable VPN for the UK and use whatever streaming service you prefer.

How to watch F1 in Canada

Since 2019, Bell Media (TSN/RDS) is no longer the sole broadcaster with exclusive rights to Formula One coverage. You may still get the TSN channel to watch F1, but in 2023, you have more options to choose from.

These include TSN+, RDS+, and F1 TV Pro. Plus, you can use the TSN App to stream from a wide range of supported devices. Of course, securing yourself with a VPN for Canada is a good idea as well.

How to watch F1 in Australia

Foxtel owns the rights to broadcast F1 coverage in Australia. Essentially, they re-broadcast coverage by Sky Sports using their own channels. You can get the Foxtel Sports HD plan for $59.00/month on a 12-month plan.

Kayo Sports will also broadcast Formula 1 live. It’s a cheaper option for those needing a sports-only streaming service, costing just $25.00/month. Tune in easily with an Australian VPN if you’ll be traveling abroad while the races are happening. For more detailed steps, check out our guide on how to watch Kayo Sports outside Australia.

How to watch every F1 live stream free from anywhere

1. Subscribe to a streaming-focused VPN. My top pick is NordVPN, the fastest VPN provider in the industry.
2. Download and install the VPN on the device you want to watch F1 on.
3. Connect to a server in a suitable country. It can be Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg if you are curious to watch the F1 live stream free.
4. Sign up or log into an account on a streaming platform with F1 live broadcasting rights. Depending on the country, it can be Servus TV, RTBF, RTL ZWEE, etc.
5. Sit back and enjoy F1 live streams for free!

Stream F1 live with NordVPN

F1 schedule 2025

Conclusion

There’s definitely no shortage of options when it comes to watching Formula 1 online. What matters is that you pick the best option for your situation. If you have cable, you can check online to see if the official broadcasters are on your plan.

If you live in a country where the official F1 live stream is unavailable for free, you’ll need a top VPN to bypass geo-blocking. My recommended provider is NordVPN due to its reliable performance and robust security measures. It lets you access multiple streaming services across the globe to finally watch F1 online.

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FAQ

What is the cheapest way to watch F1?

This depends entirely on your current subscriptions and your location. In some cases, it might be cheaper if you’re already a subscriber of a streaming service like ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC and use Sling TV. And if those are unavailable in your location, first, you'll need a VPN to circumvent the geo-blocks.

Can I watch F1 races live online for free?

Yes, you can watch the F1 live races online for free. One of the cheapest options would be to get a VPN, connect to a server in Austria, and subscribe to Servus TV. It shows the official F1 live stream totally free.

Can you watch F1 on Amazon Prime?

No, you can’t watch Formula 1 on Amazon Prime Video. For a long while now, F1 has been planning to launch F1 TV Pro channels on Amazon Prime. However, such plans are still plans. In the meanwhile, there are plenty of other streaming platforms with live F1 broadcasts.

Where can I watch Formula 1?

Depends on where you live. US citizens have plenty of options, from F1 TV Pro to Sling TV, while UK residents can do it on Sky Sports and Now TV. If you’re currently in a place with no live F1 streams, your best bet is getting a reliable F1 VPN and connecting to the nearest country with online Formula 1 broadcasts.