Formula 1 racing is a global phenomenon, but accessing live broadcasts can be surprisingly complex. Broadcast rights vary by country, and traveling fans often find their usual streaming services unavailable abroad. This guide explains how to navigate those limitations and watch every race, no matter where you are.
The Problem of Geo-Restrictions
Broadcast rights fragmentation means that the same streaming service isn’t available everywhere. If you move between regions, your standard platform may suddenly be blocked. This is frustrating for international fans who don’t want to miss a moment of the action.
The Solution: VPNs for Seamless Streaming
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Surfshark offers a simple solution. By connecting through servers in over 100 countries, you can bypass geographic restrictions and access streams as if you were in your home region. Surfshark also enhances privacy and security while you stream.
Regional Broadcasting Options
The way to watch Formula 1 depends on your location:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports F1 remains the primary broadcaster, offering full live coverage. Subscriptions cost roughly £20/month, in addition to a Sky TV package. NOW (formerly NOW TV) provides 24-hour access without a contract, while Channel 4 broadcasts highlights and occasionally live coverage of the British Grand Prix.
- United States: Apple TV+ now holds exclusive multi-year rights to all F1 sessions, including practice, qualifying, sprint races, and the grand prix itself. The service costs $12.99/month and includes additional F1 TV features. ESPN no longer carries F1 races.
- Global Availability: Formula 1 TV operates in countries without exclusive broadcaster deals, offering live races, onboard cameras, team radio, and detailed telemetry. However, it’s unavailable in regions with exclusive deals, like the UK.
2026 Race Calendar at a Glance
Here’s the schedule for the next nine months:
- Round 1: 6-8 March – Melbourne, Australia
- Round 2: 13-15 March – Shanghai, China
- Round 3: 27-29 March – Suzuka, Japan
- Round 4: 10-12 April – Sakhir, Bahrain
- Round 5: 17-19 April – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Round 6: 1-3 May – Miami Gardens, United States
- Round 7: 22-24 May – Montreal, Canada
- Round 8: 5-7 June – Monaco, Monaco
- Round 9: 12-14 June – Montmeló, Spain
- Round 10: 26-28 June – Spielberg, Austria
- Round 11: 3-5 July – Silverstone, United Kingdom
- Round 12: 17-19 July – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
- Round 13: 24-26 July – Mogyoród, Hungary
- Round 14: 21-23 August – Zandvoort, Netherlands
- Round 15: 4-6 September – Monza, Italy
- Round 16: 11-13 September – Madrid, Spain
- Round 17: 24- 26 September – Baku, Azerbaijan
- Round 18: 9-11 October – Singapore, Singapore
- Round 19: 23-25 October – Austin, United States
- Round 20: 30 October to 1 November – Mexico City, Mexico
- Round 21: 6-8 November – São Paulo, Brazil
- Round 22: 19-21 November – Las Vegas, United States
- Round 23: 27-29 November – Lusail, Qatar
- Round 24: 4-6 December – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
How to Set Up Surfshark for F1 Streaming
Follow these steps to unlock global F1 access:
- Sign Up: Download and install Surfshark via their app or website.
- Connect: Open the app and connect to a server in your home country. Surfshark offers over 4,500 servers worldwide.
- Stream: Access your preferred streaming service and enjoy the race. Surfshark’s fast speeds prevent buffering, and its Multi Hop feature provides extra security.
Additional Benefits of Using a VPN
Beyond bypassing restrictions, Surfshark prevents bandwidth throttling (where providers intentionally slow down your connection during peak usage). It also allows unlimited device connections, so you can watch on any device without interruption.
Surfshark VPN plans start at £1.49/month for a 24-month subscription, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In conclusion, accessing Formula 1 streams globally requires a strategic approach. By using a VPN like Surfshark, fans can ensure uninterrupted access to every race, regardless of location. The future of F1 streaming is now seamless, secure, and unrestricted.
