How to Watch F1 in the UK - Official Partners and Free Options

Formula 1, with its high-speed thrills and intricate team strategies, remains one of the most-watched sports globally.

For fans in the UK, there are several ways to catch all the action, from official broadcasters to clever workarounds. So if you’re ready to watch the US GP, Mexican GP, and all other upcoming events, stick around.

I’ll walk you through all available options.

In this article:

• How to watch F1 in the UK (Official broadcasters)
• How to watch F1 live in the UK for free
• Formula 1 2023 calendar

How to watch F1 in the UK

To watch F1 in the UK you should have a subscription to a cable channel or streaming service that broadcasts it. There are only 3 services where you can watch Formula 1 in the UK: Sky, NowTV, and All4 (limited).

Sky

Sky offers comprehensive coverage of all F1 events, broadcasting them live.

➡️ To get Sky, you’ll need to subscribe to the Sky Sports package. It includes a range of other sports channels and typically costs around £18 per month. Prices can vary based on promotions and bundled offers.

The Sky Sports F1 channel is specifically tailored for Formula 1 enthusiasts, offering high-definition streaming quality and expert commentary and analysis.

However, it’s worth noting that Sky is more expensive than some other options and often requires a longer-term contract.

NowTV

Just like Sky, NowTV provides live broadcasts of all F1 events.

➡️ As a streaming service, there’s no need for a satellite dish or a long-term contract. Instead, you can purchase daily, weekly, or monthly Sky Sports passes.

The daily pass is usually priced at £9.99, the weekly one at £14.99, and the monthly option can cost upwards of £33.99.

However, the streaming quality can be dependent on your internet connection, and if you watch frequently, it might end up being costlier in the long run.

All4

All4 offers a more limited F1 viewing experience. While it’s free to use, it doesn’t allow for live streaming of the races.

Instead, you can catch up on races later via the All 4 app.

➡️ To access the content, you’ll need to sign up for a free account.

Although you can’t watch the races live on All4, the platform offers a range of other entertainment options.

However, the delays before race highlights and the limited F1 international coverage might be a drawback for some fans.

As you can tell, the options are pretty limited.

If you don’t already use these services, chances are you won’t want to subscribe just for watching F1 live. But don’t fret. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.

How to watch F1 live in the UK for free

While the official broadcasters might have exclusive rights, there’s a nifty way to watch F1 for free.

By using a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access international broadcasters that offer F1 coverage for free.

F1 is shown on free-to-air channels like ServusTV and ORF in Austria, Match TV in Russia, Mediaklikk in Hungary, and RTBF in Belgium.

Here’s how to access them with a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN service: I recommend using NordVPN for its speed and reliability.
2. Download and install the VPN application on your device.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a server in a country where F1 is broadcasted for free, such as Austria or Belgium.

4. Once connected, head to the broadcaster’s official website.
   This time I tuned in in on Servus TV. As you can see, I had no problems accessing it even outside Austria.

Note that if you go for this method, the commentary may not be in English.

This trick also works wonders if you have an F1 TV Pro or Fubo TV subscription. Both of these services broadcast F1 events live, but are not available in the UK.

I picked NordVPN because it has servers all around the globe. 5,000+ servers in 59 countries to be precise.

With it, you’ll be able to connect to a country that streams Formula 1 for free or cheaper than the UK.

The VPN is fast enough for HD and 4K streaming. I tried out a few Austrian servers to unlock Servus TV and this is what I got:

• Starting download speed (without VPN) – 53.33 Mbps
• Austria #127 – 50.23 Mbps
• Austria #106 – 51.84 Mbps
• Austria # 121 – 49.80 Mbps

To put this in perspective, 25-30 Mbps is fast enough to sustain 4K streaming. 

NordVPN

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If you’re not 100% convinced that NordVPN would be the best choice for you, I’ve got some other options. So if you’re looking for specific VPN features, check out the list below.

Best VPNs to watch F1 in the UK

As you may have guessed, not just any VPN will work. You have to make sure your VPN has servers in the countries where this service is available.

Additionally, you should opt for a tool with a good reputation when it comes to speed. You wouldn’t like a buffering connection when streaming live.

All things considered, here’s what I recommend:

1. NordVPN – best overall

NordVPN is renowned for its robust security features and impressive server network.

With over 5,000 servers worldwide, it ensures a stable and fast connection, ideal for streaming high-definition content like Formula 1 races.

For viewers in the UK wanting to watch F1 without any geo-restrictions or buffering, NordVPN stands out as a top choice.

Its SmartPlay technology seamlessly unblocks streaming platforms, ensuring you never miss a lap of the race.

2. ExpressVPN – combination of speed and security

ExpressVPN offers both speed and reliability, making it a favorite among streaming enthusiasts.

Its vast server network, spanning 94 countries, ensures that you can bypass geo-restrictions effortlessly.

For Formula 1 fans in the UK, this means unrestricted access to international broadcasts of the races. ExpressVPN’s commitment to user privacy is evident in its strict no-logs policy and Trusted Server technology.

The combination of high-speed connections and top-tier security features makes ExpressVPN an excellent choice for watching F1 races hassle-free.

ExpressVPN

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3. Surfshark – affordable alternative

Surfshark is a rising star in the VPN world, known for its budget-friendly plans without compromising on features.

It boasts a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring a smooth streaming experience for F1 enthusiasts.

With servers in over 60 countries, UK viewers can easily tap into international broadcasts of Formula 1 races.

For those who value both cost-effectiveness and performance, Surfshark is a compelling choice for uninterrupted Formula 1 viewing.

Surfshark

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With these tools, you’ll have a seamless viewing experience. They can also help you secure cheaper subscriptions for watching F1. For instance, using VPN you can subscribe to the cheapest country for F1 TV.

Now let’s see what to expect from this Formula 1 season.

Formula 1 2023 calendar

For those keen on following the entire season, here’s a brief overview of the remaining F1 races scheduled for 2023:

• 22nd October: United States GP at Circuit of the Americas
• 29th October: Mexican GP at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
• 5th November: Sao Paulo GP (Brazil) at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
• 19th November: Las Vegas GP (USA) at Las Vegas Street Circuit
• 26th November: Abu Dhabi GP at Yas Marina Circuit

Related read:

What’s the Cheapest Country For F1 TV? [+ How to Access it]

Conclusion

With the right tools and knowledge, watching F1 in the UK is a breeze.

Whether you’re tuning in through an official broadcaster, leveraging a VPN to access free channels, or unlocking your existing subscriptions, the adrenaline-pumping action of F1 is just a few clicks away.

FAQ

Can you get F1 TV Pro in the UK?

No, F1 TV Pro is not officially available in the UK due to exclusive broadcasting rights held by other providers. The only way to access it in the UK is if you use a VPN.

How to watch F1 in the UK without Sky?

You can watch F1 in the UK without Sky through services like NowTV or All4. Additionally, using a VPN allows you to access international free-to-air broadcasters that show F1.

Is F1 free to air in the UK?

Only selected races, like the British Grand Prix, are free to air in the UK on All4. The rest of the races can be watched through paid services or by using a VPN to access free international broadcasters.

Is using a VPN to watch F1 TV legal?

Using a VPN to access foreign TV is legal in most countries, including the UK. However, bypassing geo-restrictions to access content might violate the terms of service of the streaming platform. Always check local regulations and the terms of the platform you’re accessing.

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