Formula 1 has never been more popular, but finding where to watch it - especially for free - can be genuinely confusing. Broadcast rights vary by country, split across pay-TV, free-to-air, and streaming platforms. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly where to watch F1 in 2025, whatever your budget.
United Kingdom
Sky Sports F1 holds the exclusive live rights in the UK, meaning most races require a subscription. However, Channel 4 has a highlights deal and broadcasts selected live races - including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone - in full, free of charge.
Free options: Channel 4 live races (check the annual schedule), Channel 4 highlights the day after each race.
Australia
Fox Sports carries the full live package in Australia, with every session shown live. Free-to-air viewers can turn to Network 10, which has rights to highlights and selected sessions.
Free options: Network 10 highlights, check for live race coverage on major events.
United States
ESPN holds the US broadcast rights for Formula 1, with races shown on the main network and ESPN2. Some sessions are streamed via ESPN+. F1 TV Pro offers the most comprehensive coverage, including all sessions and onboard cameras.
Free options: ESPN and ESPN2 are included in most cable packages. F1 TV Access (the lower-tier plan) offers replays.
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Sky Deutschland has the pay-TV rights in Germany. Free-to-air coverage is available via RTL, which holds rights to selected grands prix each season.
Free options: RTL Germany for selected live races and highlights.
Italy
Sky Italia holds pay-TV rights, while free-to-air broadcaster TV8 shows live coverage of selected sessions and delayed broadcasts of others.
Free options: TV8 live qualifying and delayed races throughout the season.
Netherlands
Viaplay holds the rights in the Netherlands. Given Max Verstappen’s enormous popularity, almost every GP is a major event. Free-to-air options are limited, but highlight packages are widely available.
Canada
RDS (French) and TSN (English) share the Canadian broadcast rights. Both are cable/streaming services rather than free-to-air.
The Easiest Way to Keep Track
Broadcast rights shift each year, and even within a season, specific events may move between channels. The Racing Line app keeps an up-to-date guide to where you can watch each session in your country, with all times automatically converted to your local timezone so you never miss a lap.
Download free from the App Store or Google Play to stay on top of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
