How to watch F1 around the world for free
Jan 10, 2024
As an F1 fan myself, I know how important it is to sit tight on race days with snacks and watch the race peacefully without any nuisance from anyone (especially those soccer fans, right?) The adrenaline rush with each overtake, the glimpse of the engines revving, and the elegance of the drivers on every turn just make it the perfect day for fans. But with these absurdly increasing restrictions, it becomes more and more irritating. Due to their monopoly over the market, most streaming companies overcharge the fans, and the worst part is those blackouts, which are just so irritating. This is just another form of regional discrimination through geo-restricting content.
Geo-restrictions often prevent us from watching our favorite races due to broadcasting rights and licensing agreements, leaving us searching for alternative methods that might not always be reliable. To make matters worse, official broadcasters often charge exorbitant fees for their subscription packages, making it difficult for many fans to afford a front-row seat to the action.
Enter Surfshark VPN, my personal favorite VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and watch Formula 1 or any other sport live, regardless of your location. With its extensive network of servers, Surfshark VPN enables you to connect to a server in a country where Formula 1 is being broadcasted for free or at a lower cost. Not only does this give you access to all the nail-biting races, but it also ensures a secure and private online experience. Say goodbye to the days of buffering and low-quality streams, and get ready to embrace the high-speed and reliable connection offered by Surfshark VPN.
VPNs and How They Work?
Before I tell you the process, let me explain what a VPN is to our new readers. The nerds can skip this part.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that helps you access the internet securely and without restrictions. It works by hiding your real location and encrypting your data so that you can browse privately and safely.
When you use a VPN, your data travels through a secure tunnel to a server in another country. This server then connects to the internet for you, which makes it look like you're browsing from that country. This way, you can bypass restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your location. VPNs, like Surfshark, are perfect for F1 fans who want to enjoy races without limitations or worrying about their online privacy.
Now, many of you are wondering why I only suggested Surfshark VPN. Let me tell you why, from so many well-established VPNs, I only chose Surfshark for you.
How can you watch Formula 1 for free?
Actually, this is because of the demand and subsidies. F1 fans like us are everywhere, but there are countries where most of the population is a fan of this marvelous sport. So, the sport was included in their national television schedules and broadcast for free. So now, after they pay for their license, they broadcast to the users for free.
All we need to do is set the server of Surfshark to these countries and then simply go to their website and enjoy free F1 live races for free. Now let's start the list of channels and platforms where you can watch Formula 1 live online for free.
Watch F1 for free from anywhere in the World
Austria: F1 fans can watch races for free in Austria, where two channels share the broadcasting rights. ORF streams 11 out of 23 races, including the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, while Servus TV covers the remaining 12. Both channels are free national television networks, so using a VPN like Surfshark to connect to an Austrian server will grant you access to these channels.
Belgium: RTBF Auvio is a public broadcaster that offers a free online streaming platform called Auvio. It features a wide range of content, including sports like Formula 1. To access Auvio, simply sign up with your name and email. Keep in mind that the commentary will be in French. Using Surfshark VPN, you can easily connect to a Belgian server and start streaming. For English commentary, you can simultaneously tune in to BBC Radio on Channel 5.
Luxembourg: RTL Zwee, a Luxembourg-based general-interest TV channel, broadcasts all 23 Formula 1 races for free. To watch, just connect to a Luxembourg server using Surfshark VPN, which offers excellent performance for streaming. I've personally tried this method and successfully streamed F1 online without any issues.
United Kingdom: Channel 4 Channel 4 offers free-to-air highlights of all F1 races throughout the season, and it also broadcasts the British Grand Prix live. Although it doesn't provide live coverage for every race, you can still keep up with the season.
Spain: Teledeporte, a Spanish sports channel, occasionally broadcasts F1 races for free. While it doesn't cover every race, it's still an option for those looking for free coverage. Use Surfshark VPN to connect to a Spanish server and watch Teledeporte's available F1 content for free.
Germany: RTL RTL, a German television network, has previously offered free-to-air F1 coverage. While their broadcasting rights may vary from year to year, it's worth checking their schedule for any available F1 races. Surfshark has multiple servers, including high-speed servers for streaming HD.
Other Paid platforms to watch F1 Live with subscriptions
F1 TV
F1 TV is the official streaming service for Formula 1 racing, offering live and on-demand content. The platform provides two subscription plans: F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access. F1 TV Pro allows subscribers to watch every F1 race live or on-demand, while F1 TV Access offers live timing data and delayed race replays. Additional features include onboard cameras, live team radios, and exclusive live timing.
While F1 TV is available in many countries, its price also differs. This is because of the purchasing power parity, but while the subscription price in India is just $3.99/mo, the price of a subscription in Mexico is $119/mo, which is just outrageous. The price in the US is $9.99/mo. So you can use Surfshark VPN to buy the subscription at a much cheaper price. But please read these F1TV rules to find out which country would be best for you. Read the rules here.
Sky Sports (UK)
Sky Sports is a popular UK-based sports broadcaster that covers F1 races. To access Sky Sports' F1 coverage, you can subscribe to the Sky Sports F1 channel as part of a larger Sky Sports package or as a standalone channel. You can also stream F1 races online through the Sky Go app, which is available to Sky Sports subscribers.
ESPN (USA)
In the United States, ESPN holds broadcasting rights for F1 races. You can watch F1 live on ESPN by subscribing to a cable or satellite TV package that includes the channel. But ESPN is only a sports platform, so if you want more than just sports
Alternatively, you can access ESPN through various live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV, which offer ESPN as part of their channel lineups. These are much better, as they offer more content and still come at a more affordable price.
Fubo TV (USA)
Fubo TV is a streaming service in the United States that focuses primarily on sports content. The platform offers a variety of channel packages, including those that feature ESPN, which broadcasts F1 races in the country. By subscribing to Fubo TV, you can watch Formula One live on ESPN as well as access other sports channels and entertainment content.
Fubo TV's plans start with the starter package, which includes more than 100 channels, and you can add more channels and features with add-on packages.
Sling TV (USA)
Sling TV is another popular streaming service in the United States that offers live TV channels, including ESPN, which covers F1 races. Sling TV provides two primary packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. To watch F1, you'll need the Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN. You can also combine both packages for a discounted price, giving you access to a wider range of channels. Sling TV allows you to watch live F1 races on ESPN and enjoy other sports and entertainment content on various channels.
Fox Sports (Australia)
Fox Sports is an Australian sports broadcaster that covers F1 races. To access Fox Sports' F1 coverage, you can subscribe to the channel through a cable or satellite TV package, like Foxtel. Alternatively, you can watch F1 races online using the streaming service Kayo Sports, which offers Fox Sports channels as part of its package.
Surfshark stands out as the top VPN option for watching Formula 1 live:
Affordability: Surfshark offers an unbeatable combination of features and value. With its competitive pricing, it provides an affordable alternative to expensive streaming platforms and premium VPN services. Choosing Surfshark means you can enjoy live Formula 1 without breaking the bank, keeping your wallet happy while you get your racing fix.
Global Server Coverage: Surfshark boasts an extensive network of servers in all the regions required to watch Formula 1 for free. This means that you'll always have access to a server in a country where Formula 1 is being broadcast, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and catch every thrilling moment of the race. All the servers we need to watch Formula 1 are available on Surfshark with excellent connections.
High-speed servers: When it comes to streaming live sports, speed is crucial. Surfshark's high-speed servers ensure that you can watch F1 races in HD quality without buffering or lag. With Surfshark, you'll enjoy a seamless and immersive viewing experience, making you feel like you're right there at the racetrack.
How does F1 licensing work?
Now let's discuss how the F1 licensing works and why there is a difference in the subscription price. F1 has its official platform, F1 TV, where it streams live races; however, it is not that simple. There are many other sources that have a regional license to show Formula 1 in their regions. They pay F1 to get these licenses and thus want a monopoly in their area. So, what's wrong?
Let me demonstrate the price difference with an example: the F1 TV subscription costs an astonishing $119 a month, while the same subscription costs $3.99 a month in India. When I come to think of it, this is not just a normal purchasing power parity difference. This huge difference is caused when specific platforms have a monopoly in their area.
Now that it is clear that F1 can be very costly for fans, let me tell you that there are some platforms that stream live F1 races for free to their viewers. Yes, completely free, and not just for one week or month; I am talking about forever free. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Surfshark VPN: The best VPN to watch F1 Online
As an avid F1 fan, I can totally relate to the struggle of finding the perfect VPN to watch my favorite races online. That's where Surfshark comes into the picture. It's an excellent VPN service that offers top-notch performance, security, and a user-friendly experience, making it the ideal choice for streaming Formula 1 online. Let me give you a brief overview of Surfshark and why it's my go-to VPN for watching F1.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to streaming live sports like Formula 1, speed is the name of the game. Nobody wants to deal with constant buffering and lag during those nail-biting moments. Fortunately, Surfshark offers blazing-fast speeds that ensure a smooth and enjoyable F1 streaming experience.
With a vast network of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark ensures reliable connections and minimal latency, regardless of your location. I've personally tested Surfshark while watching F1 races, and the performance has been consistently impressive, with minimal buffering and excellent video quality.
Security and Privacy
As a privacy-conscious user, I appreciate Surfshark's commitment to keeping my data secure. The VPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and offers a variety of secure protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, which means my data is well-protected while I'm streaming F1 races.
Moreover, Surfshark follows a strict no logs policy, so they won't store any information about my online activities. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that my privacy is safeguarded even when I'm accessing geo-restricted content.
User-friendly Apps and Device Compatibility
One of the things I love about Surfshark is its user-friendly apps, available for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. The apps are easy to navigate, making it simple to connect to a server and start streaming Formula 1 in no time.
Additionally, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so I can watch F1 on multiple devices or share the VPN with my family members without any hassle.
Customer Support and Pricing
Whenever I've needed assistance, Surfshark's customer support has been responsive and helpful. They offer 24/7 live chat support, which means I can get my questions answered promptly, regardless of the time.
Surfshark's pricing is also quite competitive, with affordable subscription plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows me to test the VPN risk-free and ensure it meets my F1 streaming needs before fully committing.
FAQs
Is using a VPN to watch F1 online legal?
Yes, using a VPN to watch Formula 1 online is legal in most countries. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with your country's specific laws regarding VPN usage. A VPN is primarily a tool for privacy and security, and using it to access geo-restricted content is just one of its many applications. While some countries may have restrictions on VPN usage, in general, using a VPN to stream content is not considered illegal. Be sure to research and adhere to the regulations in your jurisdiction.
Can I watch F1 races live with Surfshark?
Absolutely! Surfshark's fast and reliable servers make it an ideal choice for streaming live F1 races without buffering or lag. The VPN service boasts a vast network of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, ensuring that you have access to a server that provides optimal performance for streaming F1 content. Simply connect to a server in a country where F1 content is available, and you'll be able to enjoy the race in real time with minimal interruptions or delays.
Will Surfshark work on my device?
Surfshark offers apps for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. This means that you can use Surfshark on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other compatible device. With its unlimited simultaneous connections, you can use Surfshark on multiple devices at the same time, ensuring that you never miss a moment of the F1 action.
Can I watch F1 races for free using Surfshark?
While Surfshark can help you access geo-restricted content, whether you can watch F1 races for free depends on the streaming platform you choose. Some platforms may offer free access to F1 content, while others may require a subscription. Surfshark simply makes it possible to access these platforms regardless of your location, bypassing any geographic restrictions in place. As a result, you can explore various streaming options and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
What if I encounter issues while using Surfshark to watch F1 online?
If you face any issues while using Surfshark, you can contact their 24/7 live chat support for assistance. Their customer support team is always ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have, be it technical issues, billing inquiries, or guidance on server selection for optimal F1 streaming. You can also consult Surfshark's extensive knowledge base, which contains a wealth of information, guides, and troubleshooting tips to help you make the most of your VPN experience.
Can I use Surfshark for other streaming services as well?
Yes! Surfshark is an excellent choice for accessing a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Its fast and reliable servers make it a great choice for streaming high-quality content without any hassle. In addition to helping you watch F1 races, Surfshark enables you to access a world of content that may be otherwise unavailable in your region, allowing you to discover new shows, movies, and live events from around the globe.
Is there a risk-free trial for Surfshark?
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to test the service risk-free. If you're not satisfied with Surfshark during this period, you can request a refund, no questions asked.
