How to Watch Formula 1 Live Free in any Country

There is something about Formula 1 that captures the public imagination of people from all over the world in a way that other racing sports doesn’t.

It’s difficult to put your finger on precisely why that is.

It might be the noise and atmosphere of a Grand Prix, the incredible speeds that the drivers go at, the risks inherent in the sport, or even the fact that Formula 1 champions can come from just about any country around the globe.

Whatever it is, there is no denying that people everywhere want to watch F1. But it’s not always that easy.

While most countries have a broadcaster which lets people watch F1 live, more often than not these are paid-for subscription TV services that can be expensive and make it unaffordable for a lot of people to watch F1.

Then there is the problem of travelling abroad. Most of these channels use geo-blocking to stop people overseas from watching. So, if you are travelling for work or on holiday, that can mean you have to miss a crucial Grand Prix.

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to watch Formula 1 Grand Prix live in any country around the world. It’s much easier than you might think.

What you need to watch Formula 1 live in any country

All you need if you want to watch F1 races live while overseas is a Virtual Private Network or VPN for short.

A VPN is an online security and privacy app that most people use to encrypt their internet traffic and enhance their online privacy.

But a quirk of how VPNs work means they are also perfect for unblocking geo-restricted content such as live Formula 1 too.

This is because a VPN app will redirect your internet data through an external server which hides something called your ‘IP Address’ and gives you a new one.

An IP Address is unique to your internet connection and can be thought of a little like a phone number. Just like a phone number area code, they give away your rough physical location.

Depending on where the VPN server is, this can make it appear that you are logging on from just about anywhere and so fool streaming service providers into thinking you are in their country, even when you aren’t.

Best VPN for live streaming Formula 1

Using a VPN to watch F1 live streams is quite straightforward. The hard part is choosing which of the many VPN services that are available to use.

That’s where we come in. Our team monitors and test all the top VPNs to identify which are the best at streaming live sports such as Formula 1.

Our top recommended VPN for streaming Formula 1 Grand Prix live is ExpressVPN.

As the name suggests, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around making it ideal to use with all different types of streaming services.

Unlike many VPNs, it also works with all sorts of different streaming services including the big names like the BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Android TV, and more.

ExpressVPN’s security and privacy protections are second to none and they have an excellent range of VPN apps that are available for just about any device you might possibly want to watch F1 on.

Their server network consists of hundreds of servers over a whopping 94 different countries. This opens up a huge range of Formula 1 online streams for you to use. And there is an awesome 30-day money-back guarantee so you have lots of time to try before you buy.

If you don’t like the cut of ExpressVPN’s jib, two other VPN provider options that might work for you are NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

Both tick most of the same boxes and also come with exceptional money-back guarantee offers too. It’s down to you which one to pick.

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How to use a VPN to watch Formula 1 live free

Choosing the best VPN to unblock Formula 1 streaming service providers around the world is the hard part.

Once you have settled on the best VPN for you, getting everything set up and ready to watch F1 live is quite simple.

To help, we have compiled this simple step-by-step guide for you to follow. We have used ExpressVPN as our example, but the process is largely the same no matter which premium VPN provider you choose.

1. Visit the ExpressVPN website by clicking a link on this page and then choose which of their subscription packages is best for you and sign up by following the simple onscreen instructions. Don’t forget there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app onto your streaming devices. Always do this from your official app store or the ExpressVPN website.
3. Install the ExpressVPN app and then log in to your account using the details given to you in step 1.
4. Click on the Smart Location option and then choose a server in the country where your preferred live streaming service is located or Belgium for a free stream.
5. Wait a few seconds for ExpressVPN to establish a connection, then get logged into your streaming service and start enjoying a live stream of the latest F1 Grand Prix.

Watch F1 anywhere using ExpressVPN.

If you encounter any problems, switching to a different server will usually prove to be the solution.

Otherwise, drop a line to your VPN’s customer support team, who will be more than happy to assist you.

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How to choose the best VPN to live stream F1?

We have already identified our top recommended VPN to watch F1 live stream feeds on various streaming services and streaming boxes.

But, if you want to do a bit of research yourself, that is something we never discourage. When choosing the best VPN to enjoy global live stream feeds, we suggest you consider providers which can offer the following key features:

• VPN server options – Make sure your chosen VPN has multiple servers in the right location to allow you to stream Formula 1 from your chosen streaming service.
• Connection speeds – For live stream viewing, it is vital that you have a fast and stable internet connection. The last thing you want is a duel going into the final corner only for your F1 live stream to freeze at the crucial moment.
• Apps – Make sure your VPN has an app for all the devices you want to use it on. The best VPNs will offer apps for all the usual desktop and mobile devices plus various Smart TVs, gaming consoles, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and many more. Be sure they have the apps you need.
• Security and privacy – Streaming services often don’t like you using a VPN to unblock them, so it is important that your VPN has the security and privacy protections you need to ensure they never find out.

Where to stream Formula 1 live Grand Prix?

Formula 1 has broadcast partners in most countries that will let you watch and stream every Grand Prix live. It is impossible to list every single streaming service that has the rights to Formula 1 here, but we will give you a rundown of the most popular options, broken down by country.

If you have a subscription to any of these you can use a VPN while you’re overseas to unblock your home streaming service.

United Kingdom

In the UK, rights to show F1 live streams are held by Sky Sports. To stream Grand Prix, you will need to download the Sky Go app and have an existing Sky Sports subscription.

One alternative to Sky Sports this year is for the British Grand Prix, which is being shown live on Channel 4 and will also be available to stream for free on their All 4 service (free sign-up required).

United States

In the USA, where Formula faces competition from Indycar and Nascar, Grand Prix are shown on ESPN. Again a subscription is needed, but if you have one, you can view F1 live streams on the ESPN app by connecting to a US server.

There are a couple of other options too. Sling TV is a more affordable option which carries ESPN streams. If you sign up for the Sling TV orange package, you can enjoy contract-free access to all live stream feeds of F1 races.

Fubo TV also offers SPN coverage but is more expensive while viewers in Puerto Rico can watch on the Polsat Puerto Rico service.

Australia

Down Under, F1 live streams are available on the Fox Sports network. Fox Sports is a paid-for service which you can also enjoy live and on-demand on the Fox Sports app.

Elsewhere

Other countries where you could enjoy F1 live include:

• US – ESPN/Sling TV/ABC
• Russia – Match TV
• Spain – F1 DAZN
• Azerbaijan – Idman TV
• Brazil – Band
• France – Canal+
• Middle East and North Africa – MBC Persia
• Poland – Eleven Sports

Anywhere

Yes, that’s right. There is an option to enjoy instant access to F1 live streams on any smart device from anywhere in the world.

The official F1 TV channel includes live coverage of all the Grand Prix plus a huge range of bonus content including breaking news, practice sessions, qualifying sessions, access to team radio, previews of the next Grand Prix, and live TV coverage of the whole F1 circus around the races too.

F1 TV subscription prices vary depending on where in the world you are. There is a cost involved but for committed F1 fans, it is likely to be a small price to pay for the wall-to-wall coverage that is available on just about any streaming device you can think of.

Where to stream Formula 1 live for free?

All of the above streaming options come at a cost. Many people are keen to enjoy Formula 1 Grand Prix’ without having to shell out huge sums for the privilege, which is quite understandable.

So, are there any live streaming services that offer free coverage and can let you enjoy free Formula 1 races? Remarkably, the answer is, yes:

• Servus TV – Servus TV is an Austrian streaming service that offers free coverage of all practice runs, qualifying, and races. The commentary is in German, but if you speak that, or don’t mind, it is a great free streaming option.
• RTBF – RTBF is a Belgian broadcaster that again carries all F1 live streams for free, albeit with French commentary.
• Channel 4 – As we have already noted, Channel 4 broadcasts the British GP live in the UK. But as well as the British GP, they also offer extensive highlights of every F1 Grand Prix too.
• YouTube TV – On the Formula 1 Official YouTube TV Channel, you can also enjoy extensive highlights and watch F1 practice sessions and qualifying highlights without having to pay a penny for the privilege.

Using a VPN and connecting to one of the countries above will allow you to access those free streams anywhere.

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Can I use a Free VPN to live stream F1 races?

Technically, you could use a free VPN to stream live F1, but in reality, they are unlikely to do the job.

Most free VPNs come with bandwidth limitations and speed caps that make them next to useless to watch F1 live streams on. They also tend to have very limited server options too.

There are all sorts of other dangers that come with free VPNs too, including malware, data breaches, privacy breaches, and much more.

Our strong advice to all readers is to avoid free VPNs unless absolutely necessary.

Even free trials are a rare thing these days, so instead of looking for free options, take advantage of the generous 30+ day money-back guarantee options that most premium VPNs offer.

And also remember that premium VPNs do only cost a few dollars a month which is a small price to pay to let you watch Formula 1 live streams from anywhere.

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch F1 live TV from anywhere?

The short and simple answer to this question is, Yes. It is completely legal to use a VPN in just about any country in the world.

The handful of exceptions is the usual authoritarian dictatorships you would expect such as the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and Iran. Even in those countries, VPN’s can be used, just not without the risk of legal repercussions if you are caught.

Elsewhere, VPN is 100% legal.

It may not be liked by broadcasters and streaming providers. Some will attempt to block VPN users, but this is proven to have a very limited impact.

Others will include VPN use in their terms and conditions and threaten to suspend or close down accounts if users are caught with a VPN. But, we are not aware of any real-world examples of this happening and most VPNs offer features like a kill switch which should stop providers from knowing whether you are using a VPN.

What’s happening in the 2022 F1 season

We are currently halfway through the 2022 F1 season and, as always, it is a season that has been packed with drama and incidents.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen continues to lead the way on the track, helped by the fact that his main rival, Lewis Hamilton has seen his performances take a nosedive as a result of his Mercedes car being well off the pace.

But Ferarri has shown a real resurgence with their lead driver Charles Leclerc looking highly competitive, despite some rather erratic performances.

It was Leclerc that won the opening race, the Bahrain GP, while Max Verstappen took the next round in Saudi Arabia.

The Australian GP was won by Leclerc again before Max Verstappen rolled off a hattrick of victories at the Emilia Romagna GP, the Miami GP, and the Spanish GP.

Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez took victory at the flagship Monaco Grand Prix before normal service was resumed as Max Verstappen took two more wins at the Azerbaijan GP and the Canadian GP.

The Canadian GP was particularly thrilling with Verstappen pipping Carlos Sainz by less than a second.

Next up was the British Grand Prix where Sainz got his revenge and clinched his first victory of the season, while it was Leclerc who went into the summer break on a high after winning the final race of the spring in Austria.

As things stand, Max Verstappen has a healthy championship lead from Leclerc, with Perez in third place just ahead of Sainz and George Russell surprising many by outperforming team-mate and seven-times champion Lewis Hamilton to stand fifth.

There is much excitement to come as well, with 11 more Grand Prix before the end of the season and everything to play for. A highlight is likely to be the Mexico City GP, the United States GP, and the Japanese GP.

You will want to watch Formula 1 religiously between now and November, and if you want to watch F1, this guide has hopefully given you all the information you need to do just that.

Summary

If you want to watch formula 1 live in any country, you can with the help of a VPN.

A VPN will help you unblock your own F1 live stream service no matter where you are. ExpressVPN is the best option and will let you watch completely free streams or enable you to access your paid subscription service while you’re out of the country.

We have outlined some of the top on-demand and live streaming options for F1 fans, including local channels where you are, and the best international options. We have even let you know about a few free streaming options that are out there.

As our season summary shows, there is so much excitement and drama left in the current F1 season. You won’t want to miss a moment. And with the help of a VPN, you won’t have to no matter where in the world you are.