How to Watch F1 in the USA: A Guide for Unrestricted Access
With the beginning of the 2023 season, the popularity of F1 in the US has been increasing swiftly. There are numerous factors behind this growing interest, from the American driver Logan Sargeant racing for the Williams team to three races happening in the US, including the one on the Las Vegas Strip track. And here’s the icing on the cake – on February 24th, Netflix released Drive to Survive – a documentary series providing a behind-the-scenes look at the world of F1. But despite this skyrocketing success, F1 is still often challenging to watch in the US. Most platforms and streaming services broadcast only several events, so you may find particular races unavailable. Looking for a solution? Keep reading to find out how to watch F1 in the USA without access issues.
How to watch Formula 1 in the USA: a quick guide
If you don’t have time to go through the entire article, here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to watch Formula 1 live in the USA:
- Choose a reputable VPN service provider like VeePN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a remote VPN server in the chosen country.
- Enter the desired website or app to watch Formula 1.
- You’re all set! Enjoy the race while staying completely private.
Now, let’s dive into some details and explore where to watch F1 in the US and why you may need a VPN to access it.
Where to watch F1 in the USA
The exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 races in the US belong to ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Also, you can access F1 live on a number of online streaming platforms. Here are the most popular solutions:
- Hulu + Live TV ($69.99, no free trial). This popular online streaming platform offers every F1 race available through all ESPN channels (ESPN3 included as a paid add-on). It also provides access to all Hulu and Disney Plus content.
- Sling TV ($40 – $55, 3-day free trial). Sling TV is another good option for F1 fans. This on-demand and live TV streaming platform offers over 335 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC.
- YouTube TV ($72.99, 14-day free trial). YouTube’s streaming service also allows for watching all ESPN channels (but without ESPN+ content, also known as ESPN3) with access to Formula 1 races. In addition, you will be able to watch over 100 TV channels.
- Fubo TV ($74.99 – $94.99, 7-day free trial). This streaming platform enables access to over 220 channels, including ESPN and ESPN2. But like the previous options, it’s only available in the US.
- F1 TV Pro (79.99 per annually, 7-day free trial). While F1 TV covers pre- and post-race live shows and other F1-related programming, F1 TV Pro is a premium version of the service that broadcasts every Formula 1 race of the season. F1 TV Pro is available in the US, Canada, Austria, the Netherlands, and some other countries.
Now, let’s overview the Formula 1 schedule for this season, along with the channels that will broadcast every major event.
F1 schedule for 2023
🏎️ F1 event | 📅 Date | 📺 TV channel |
🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix | March 5 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | March 19 | ESPN |
🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix | April 2 | ESPN |
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix | April 30 | ESPN |
🇺🇸 Miami Grand Prix | May 7 | ABC, ESPN+ |
🇮🇹 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (Canceled) | May 21 | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix | May 28 | ABC, ESPN+ |
🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix | June 4 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix | June 18 | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN2 |
🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix | July 2 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇬🇧 British Grand Prix | July 9 | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix | July 23 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix | July 30 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix | August 27 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix | September 3 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix | September 17 | ESPN |
🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix | September 24 | ESPN2 |
🇶🇦 Qatar Grand Prix | October 8 | ESPN2 |
🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix | October 22 | ABC, ESPN+, ESPN2 |
🇲🇽 Mexican Grand Prix | October 29 | ABC, ESPN+ |
🇧🇷 Brazilian Grand Prix | November 5 | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
🇺🇸 Las Vegas Grand Prix | November 18 | ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN2 |
🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | November 26 | ESPN, ESPN+ |
As you can see, every F1 event of 2023 is available for US-based viewers. Still, you may face particular challenges when switching between platforms or lacking access to cable TV. Let‘s look at the most common issues you may encounter when streaming F1 live in the US.
Reasons why it may challenging to watch F1
Like with many other live sports, F1 is broadcast by many different service providers, including national TV channels, websites, and streaming services mentioned above. And if you don’t have access to cable TV, you may have to choose between paid platforms or apps that cover all the desired events.
Moreover, if you go abroad on a vacation or work trip, you may miss out on particular races. The problem is that many streaming services, including ESPN and F1 TV Pro, are unavailable outside the US due to copyright agreements and regulations.
For instance, in the UK, the exclusive right to air Formula 1 belongs to SkySports. Meanwhile, F1 is broadcast by Fox Sports in Australia and by beIN Sports in many Southeast-Asian countries (including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Brunei). It means that when temporarily visiting a foreign country, you won’t be able to access the desired F1 content on your favorite platforms because of geo-blocks.
In simple terms, a particular streaming service, such as Hulu, F1 TV Pro, or YouTube TV, will detect your current location based on your IP address. And if it’s outside the US, they will block your access to the platform. Luckily, there’s an easy solution – you can overcome this problem while traveling with the help of a reliable virtual private network (VPN) service. It hides your actual IP and replaces it with the address of a remote server. Besides, a VPN encrypts your traffic to protect your digital privacy and security.
But note that you need a trustworthy and powerful VPN to watch F1 races in the USA trouble-free.
How to choose a VPN to watch Formula 1
Here are the factors to consider when choosing a VPN to access and stream F1 on the desired platform.
- Credibility. Don’t trust services that promote themselves as “free.” Such VPNs are often not effective and have poorer performance than premium VPNs. Moreover, a free VPN may appear to be a fake tool collecting your private information and selling it to third parties.
- Number of servers. Select a VPN with a vast server network in multiple locations. Such services are often faster and more stable. Besides, it’s a perfect way to enhance your Internet freedom and stream the desired content when traveling.
- Performance. Make sure the chosen VPN service is powerful enough to make your connection not only secure, but also stable and fast. Although VPNs slightly reduce connection speed, this difference won’t be drastic if you choose a service supporting WireGuard – the fastest VPN protocol to date.
- Security. One of the main purposes of a VPN is to ensure users’ privacy and safety online. So it’s important to pick a service that provides the essential features to protect your Internet activities. These include Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and an anti-monitoring tool like VeePN’s NetGuard.
- Compatibility. Look for a solution that supports your preferred devices and operating systems. A good VPN should be compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TV, streaming devices, and more.
- Customer support. Prioritize VPNs that offer multiple troubleshooting options, including 24/7 live chat and email support, to solve any potential issues right away.
Luckily, we’ve got the best solution for you – VeePN checks all the boxes above and is a perfect option for watching Formula 1 in the US and other countries. Let’s discover how to set it up on your device in several simple steps.
How to watch F1 with a VPN
Here’s how to get started with VeePN and watch F1 online in the USA or abroad.
- Sign up for VeePN. Check out the available pricing plans, pick the one that suits you best, and create your VeePN account.
- Download and install the app. VeePN supports all popular devices and platforms. Just make your choice and download the app on your device. You can use VeePN on up to 10 devices within a single subscription.
- Choose the desired server location. VeePN offers servers across 89 locations in 60 countries. All you need to do is to choose the desired location and connect to the server.
- Turn VeePN on. Tap the On/Off button at the center of your screen to launch your VPN.
- Enjoy the race! You’re all set. Restart your browser, enter your account on Hulu, YouTube TV, F1 TV Pro, or another preferred streaming service provider, and watch the desired F1 content.
How to troubleshoot your VPN connection
If you face any trouble accessing a particular Formula 1 live event with your VPN turned on, try one of the following ways to fix the connection issue.
- Clear your browsing history, cache, and other data. This might help you get rid of your digital footprint over the web.
- Try another VPN server. Some servers may be associated with the use of a VPN and blacklisted by certain online services. Luckily, connecting to another server location will take you just a few clicks.
- Change your VPN protocol. Tunneling protocols are responsible for the stability, security, and overall quality of your VPN connection. With VeePN, you can use OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks.
- Contact customer support via email or live chat. If you can’t solve your problem using the methods above, contact your VPN service provider via one of the available channels to get some help.
- Use a premium VPN like VeePN. Finally, if you’re currently using a VPN service that doesn’t cover your needs, consider VeePN – one of the best options on the market. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and enjoy F1 and any other desired content while maintaining your online privacy and security.
FAQ: How to Watch F1 in the USA
You can watch Formula 1 races live in the US on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC channels. And if you prefer streaming sports online, the platforms broadcasting F1 include Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV, and F1 TV Pro. However, you may not be able to access F1 live when temporarily going abroad – and that’s where a reputable VPN service like VeePN will help you out. Read this article to learn more.
F1 pre-season testing is available on ESPN channels. You can access ESPN and ESPN2 on some streaming services, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV. The same applies to the main part of the Formula 1 season. Check out this article for more details.
Yes, F1 TV (the app’s free version) and F1 TV Pro (the app’s premium version) are available in the US and several other selected countries. The service’s premium version, which broadcasts all F1 events, costs $79.99 annually. The free F1 TV version provides access to historic races, replays, and F1 documentaries.
F1 TV has a free version that provides access to historic races, replays, and F1 documentaries. In turn, the service’s premium version – F1 TV Pro – airs the entire F1 season (available in the US, the Netherlands, Austria, and Canada). This premium subscription comes at the cost of $79.99 per year.
No, F1 races aren’t currently available on Amazon Prime Video. At the moment, the streaming giant is planning to make F1 TV a paid add-on to their service for US-based viewers. But it’s unlikely to happen this season.
You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to watch the desired F1 events either in the US or while traveling to a foreign country. Take the following steps to access the desired Formula 1 races with VeePN – a premium VPN service offering servers in over 89 locations across 60 countries:
- Create a VeePN account and choose your subscription plan.
- Download and install the app on your preferred device.
- Connect to the desired VPN server location.
- Turn your VPN on.
- Restart your browser and head to the streaming platform of your choice.
- Enjoy F1 live while remaining completely private.
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