5 Best VPNs to Watch F1 Live – Tested and Working in 2024
When you’re looking for a VPN for the Grand Prix, it’s not enough for it to simply work with streaming platforms that show the race. An F1 VPN needs to offer consistently fast speeds so you can watch races in the best available quality. Plus, the VPN should be able to safely access live streams and highlights from anywhere without contending with blocks and errors. It’s not always easy to find one that fits the bill.
That’s why my team and I tested 30+ different VPNs to find the tools that wouldn’t leave us stalling at the starting line. After running countless speed tests and, yes, watching F1 races during work hours (sorry boss!), we’ve found the VPNs that deliver everything they promise.
Overall, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers extremely fast speeds, so you can enjoy any Grand Prix live with no buffering, and it offers reliable access to F1 TV and plenty of other sports streaming platforms that show the race. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN for F1 risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Short On Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for F1 in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Unrivaled for F1 streaming with high speeds and reliable platform access.Checked out by 7000+ users last month - CyberGhost
Tailored for F1 with streaming-optimized servers and effortless platform access. - Private Internet Access
Vast server network for global F1 access, but slower over long distances. - NordVPN
Secure F1 access with SmartPlay technology, but less intuitive app interface. - Surfshark
Connect unlimited devices, but expect longer load times on distant servers.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs for F1— Full Analysis (Updated 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall F1 VPN Thanks to its Fast Speeds
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Lightway protocol provides an extremely fast and reliable VPN connection |
Speed | The fastest VPN I tested, and my top choice for streaming live F1 in UHD |
Device Connections | 8 simultaneous device connections |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, smart TVs, and more |
ExpressVPN has the best speeds of any of the F1 VPNs we tested. When testing its nearby servers (I'm located in the US), I never lost more than 6% of my base connection speed. I measured an average speed loss of only 20% on faraway servers in the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia, so my connection remained fast even over long distances.
Connecting to a nearby server in the US gave me safe access to F1 TV Pro, where I watched the Miami Grand Prix in HD without lag. With a huge server network spanning 105 countries worldwide, ExpressVPN offers plenty of options for accessing a variety of other sports streaming platforms from anywhere. It’s consistently able to access Sling TV, Servus TV, and more.
Express VPN is one of the few VPNs to offer a dedicated router app. Setting up the VPN on your router will allow you to watch F1 on your smart TV (or any device that isn’t VPN-compatible). I was able to install ExpressVPN on my router in under 10 minutes.
It’s on the more expensive side compared to some services, but it’s worth the price. Plus, it offers frequent discounts on its long-term plans. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test it out, I canceled my subscription via the 24/7 live chat and got my money back in 3 days.
Useful Features
- MediaStreamer. ExpressVPN's smart DNS service will allow you to watch F1 on devices that don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs and consoles. It works with several US streaming platforms that broadcast F1, including Sling TV and DirecTV. It doesn’t encrypt your connection, though, so using the router app is the safer option.
- Native streaming apps. ExpressVPN offers dedicated apps for several streaming devices, including Fire TV, Firestick, and Android TV.
- Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol isn’t just fast, but highly secure. So, you’ll be able to watch F1 without fear of your IP address leaking and your connection getting cut off by the streaming platform.
- Unique browser extensions. Unlike most VPNs, ExpressVPN’s browser extensions protect your entire device, not just your browser.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Easy HD Access to F1 Streaming Platforms
Best Feature | Dedicated streaming servers make it easy to access most platforms that broadcast the Grand Prix |
Speed | Excellent speeds for watching live F1 in HD |
Device Connections | 7 simultaneous device connections |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, smart TVs, and more |
CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers can easily access several platforms that offer F1 broadcasts, including Sling TV, Servus TV, and ESPN+. There are no servers optimized for F1 TV, but it can still access the platform in HD from anywhere with its regular servers in the US, Canada, and the Netherlands.
CyberGhost’s fast speeds meant I could watch live practice races without issue. During tests, my speeds were almost as fast as ExpressVPN’s, with only a 9% drop on local US servers. I lost up to 27% on some UK servers, though, so I usually had to wait a few seconds for streams and on-demand races to load.
Plus, CyberGhost has one of the most intuitive VPN apps I’ve used. For example, it offers a Smart Rules feature that you can use to customize the VPN to your preference. Using Smart Rules, I set the VPN to connect automatically after launching the F1 TV app, so I had safe access to the F1 Grand Prix without any configuration needed.
Its short-term plans are a little pricey, but CyberGhost offers great value with its long-term plans, and you can try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like how it works, you can get a full refund.
Useful Features
- Watch on any device. You can watch F1 on your smart TV with CyberGhost’s smart DNS feature. Alternatively, set the VPN up on your router, and you’ll be able to stream live F1 races on any device connected to your home network.
- Dedicated IPs. For a small extra fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that only you will use. This will make it less likely for a streaming platform to detect that you’re using a VPN and block you from watching F1 races.
- Dedicated gaming servers. CyberGhost also offers gaming-optimized servers. So, if you get the itch to play Forza after a high-stakes race (and I know I do!), you’ll be able to find a fast, lag-free server for that, too.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network to Securely Watch F1 From Anywhere
Best Feature | The largest server network on this list |
Speed | Good speeds for watching the Grand Prix without interruptions |
Device Connections | Unlimited simultaneous device connections |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, smart TVs, and more |
I was particularly impressed by Private Internet Access’s massive server network as this made it easy to find the optimal server for watching F1 live. Not only does this reduce server congestion across the network, but it also provides plenty of options for accessing F1 TV, fubo TV, Sling TV, Servus TV, and more from anywhere in good quality.
PIA also offers fast speeds for watching F1 races from anywhere in the best available quality. Our UK-based speed tester found a 10% speed drop on servers in the UK and an average drop of 30% on long-distance connections. So, as long as you have a good base connection, you’ll be able to watch the F1 from anywhere with no buffering.
PIA is also highly customizable. It lets you choose between AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption. Both are highly secure, but selecting AES 128-bit will give you optimal speeds for smooth streaming.
All of these advanced settings can be overwhelming if you’ve never used a VPN before, the app comes pre-configured, so you don’t have to change anything if you don’t want to.
Every PIA plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a full refund if you don’t like how it works.
Useful Features
- Unlimited devices. PIA can be used on an unlimited number of devices, so you can enjoy watching the F1 Grand Prix without worrying about being logged out by other users. It also has smart DNS to broaden your device compatibility.
- Latency display. With the latency displayed next to each server, it’s easy to find the one that offers the best speeds for watching live F1 races.
- MACE. PIA has a powerful ad, tracker, and malware blocker that lets you watch F1 races without annoying pop-ups.
4. NordVPN — SmartPlay Lets You Watch F1 Safely on Any Device
Best Feature | SmartPlay combines smart DNS with your VPN for safe F1 streaming |
Speed | Excellent speeds for watching F1 when connected to the NordLynx protocol |
Device Connections | 10 simultaneous device connections |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, smart TVs, and more |
NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature works alongside the VPN, making it even easier to stream your favorite F1 events while protecting your data. By re-routing your DNS requests automatically, the built-in SmartPlay feature makes it easy to access several F1 streaming platforms, including F1 TV, Servus TV, and Sling TV in good quality from anywhere.
I was impressed by NordVPN’s speeds during my tests. After switching to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, I only lost 5% from my base speed, so I could watch live F1 races without interruptions.
The only thing I didn’t like is that its desktop interface is kind of bulky. Unlike other VPNs on this list, it also doesn’t offer an option to “favorite” your most used servers. However, I never had a problem finding a fast, lag-free server through its quick connect option.
NordVPN offers great value if you want to commit long-term. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the VPN without risk.
Useful Features
- Threat Protection. NordVPN’s built-in ad-blocker will protect you against ads, trackers, and malware while streaming. Plus, it works even when the VPN is disconnected.
- Customizable kill switch. You can choose to disable all internet access when the VPN connection fails or only turn off certain apps. This means you’ll be able to watch F1 without interruption, but sensitive data from apps like social media platforms will be blocked.
- Specialty security servers. NordVPN offers Double VPN, Obfuscated, and P2P-optimized servers. Its Obfuscated servers can help you if you want to safely watch F1 on a restrictive network, like those in public libraries or workspaces.
5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connectionss Let You Stream F1 Without Interruptions
Best Feature | Your entire household can use the VPN for watching F1 as there is no device limit |
Speed | Fast enough on local servers, but slower loading times on long-distance connections |
Device Connections | Unlimited simultaneous device connections |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, smart TVs, and more |
Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you use the VPN with, so you can enjoy the F1 Grand Prix without interruptions due to having too many active devices. To test this, I connected the VPN to my Windows PC, my Mac, and my Android phone and tablet. My connection remained stable on all of them without any slowdown.
Surfshark can safely access F1 TV from anywhere. I lost 11% of my base speeds on a nearby server in the US, which gave me more than enough to stream the Monaco Grand Prix in HD.
However, our speed tester reported that speeds dropped significantly on long-distance servers by up to 55%. With this level of speed drop, you can expect some buffering or highlight videos taking longer to load.
Surfshark offers good value for larger households, and you can get it risk-free with its tried and tested 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, you can get a full refund on your purchase.
Useful Features
- NoBorders mode. This feature gives you a list of working servers if you’re watching F1 on a problematic public network.
- Rotating IPs. This features changes your IP address every few minutes while your VPN stays connected. So, if one IP address gets blocked by streaming services, you don’t have to wait long before you can continue watching F1 safely again.
- CleanWeb. Surfshark’s built-in ad blocker will protect you against ads, trackers, and malware while you’re browsing or streaming with the VPN.
Quick Comparison Table: F1 VPN Features
The table below allows for a rapid comparison of the top F1 VPNs. It includes details like cost, the F1 streaming services they work with, and their respective speeds.
I’ve also included the maximum number of devices you can connect to each VPN. You might get booted off the VPN connection if there are too many devices connected at the same time. So, if you’re sharing an account with your household, you’ll need to bear this in mind.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Watching Formula 1
In my evaluations, I employed a set of criteria to identify the top VPNs for streaming F1. You can leverage these standards to pinpoint the ideal F1 VPN tailored to your requirements.
- Reliably works with F1 streaming platforms. I’ve tested every VPN on this list to make sure it can consistently access a variety of F1 streaming platforms in good quality so you can watch the races without interruptions.
- Fast speeds. Every VPN on my list provides high-speed connections for smooth live streaming, so you can enjoy the F1 experience without buffering or lag.
- Large server network. I only considered VPNs with a wide range of servers, so you have more options to connect to different locations. This means that, no matter where you are, you can securely access platforms that offer live and on-demand F1 races.
- Intuitive apps. I prioritized VPN apps that are user-friendly and easy to navigate. This way, you can quickly connect to the server you want and start watching F1
- Device connections. If you want to share the VPN with other users, it should at least offer several device connections. Every VPN in this article allows you to connect at least 5 devices at once.
- Device compatibility. All VPNs I listed are compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. As a bonus, I’ve included some VPNs with a smart DNS service or router compatibility, as this will allow you to watch the races on any device.
- Good value. If you’re paying for a VPN, you need to be sure that it works reliably for streaming F1 in great quality from anywhere — but it’s hard to know if it will without testing first. That's why I recommend VPNs that offer dependable money-back guarantees, so you can try them with F1 without risk.
- Reliable customer support. I’ve tested each VPN’s 24/7 customer support to make sure help is available if you’re having trouble watching F1 through any of its servers.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Formula 1 Live in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it offers fast speeds and works consistently with F1 TV or any other F1 streaming platform. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you try the VPN completely risk-free.
- Connect to a server. Nearby servers give the best speeds for watching live F1 races with no buffering.
- Start watching. Go to F1 TV (or whichever platform you prefer) and watch the F1 Grand Prix in the best available quality from anywhere.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Where Can I Watch F1 Races Online in 2024?
Numerous platforms offer coverage of the F1 Grand Prix, with a subset of them being accessible at no cost. However, many of these platforms are restricted to particular regions. All of the VPNs listed in this guide have servers worldwide, which means they can access most of the platforms that offer live and on-demand F1 race streams from anywhere in good quality.
Free Channels
- Servus TV and ORF. These free-to-air Austrian TV channels offer every F1 Grand Prix for free, with races split between the two platforms. There is only German commentary, though.
- RTBF. RTBF is a Belgium TV channel that offers live broadcasts of every race in the F1 Grand Prix. It only has French commentary.
- 10 Play. This Australian video-on-demand TV service offers live broadcasts of only the Australian GP for free. No other races are included, though. The commentary is in English.
- Channel 4. This free-to-air British TV channel offers live streams of the British GP only, as well as highlights of specific races. It includes English commentary.
- Band. The Brazillian-based streaming platform airs F1 content for free and with no signup required, but only Portuguese commentary is available.
- TV8. You can stream live or catch up on any F1 races you may have missed on this Italian website with Italian commentary only.
Subscription-Based Platforms
- F1 TV. Formula 1’s official streaming site is the best option for F1 enthusiasts. It offers all live races, plus pre-race and post-race live shows, documentaries, and the official F1 archive. Commentary languages include English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Dutch.
- Hulu + Live TV. Hulu’s live TV bundle includes several F1 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and ABC Here, you can watch every live F1 race with English commentary. There is English and Spanish commentary available.
- YouTube TV. YouTube TV also offers F1 channels like ESPN and ESPN+. It is slightly more affordable than Hulu + Live TV. You can watch with English commentary only.
- fuboTV. You can also watch F1 live on ESPN with fuboTV. Commentary languages include English and Spanish. This is one of the more expensive options, however.
- Sling TV. Sling TV’s Orange plan includes F1 channels like ESPN and ESPN2. It is the most affordable of all other platforms that offer the ESPN channel lineup. The commentary is in English.
- DirecTV Stream. A DirecTV Stream subscription gives you access to ESPN and ESPN2 where you can watch live F1 races. There’s English and Spanish commentary available.
- Fox Sports. This is the official F1 broadcaster in Australia, but it's also available in the US, Argentina, and Mexico. Spanish and English commentary are available.
- Kayo Sports. Another Australian-based platform that broadcasts F1 with English commentary.
- TSN and RDS. Available in English and French, both of these are Canadian sites that offer F1 content.
- DAZN. This platform is available in Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, US — airing F1 in several different languages.
- Sky Sports. Watch F1 races with English commentary on this UK-based, paid platform.
- Canal +. A French streaming site offering F1 content in French.
FAQs on VPNs for Watching Formula 1
How can I watch F1 from outside the US?
The best way to safely watch F1 outside the US is with a premium VPN that can access F1 streaming platforms like F1 TV, DirecTV, fubo TV, and Hulu + Live TV in HD quality. Every VPN on my list works reliably with these platforms, so you’ve got plenty of options.
Can I watch F1 for free online?
Yes, some TV channels that offer F1 broadcasts are completely free to access. While they’re only available in certain countries, all of the VPNs listed above have servers in these locations, making it easy to watch the F1 in HD from anywhere.
That said, these channels are not always the best option for watching F1 as some of them, like ServusTV, offer commentary in only the language of the country they’re available in. Others, like Channel 4 and 10 Play, don’t show all F1 races, only the Grand Prix of their respective countries.
What if my F1 VPN isn't working?
As we all know, technology isn't perfect all of the time. You may encounter an issue while trying to watch F1 on your chosen platform using a VPN. The first thing to check is that you have a VPN that has been tried and tested to work with your go-to F1 streaming platform. If so, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try:
- Change servers. The connection you're using may have been detected and blocked by the F1-streaming platform, so simply switching to another server in the same country may help.
- Try a different access method. You can try switching to a different browser, or instead, try the streaming platform's app instead accessing via a browser (or vice versa).
- Clear your cookies. Websites use these to track your online behaviors and can sometimes use these to determine your location. Clearing browsing data helps prevent proxy errors.
- Contact support. All of the VPNs in this list offer 24/7 support, so you can reach out if you have any difficulties or problems with your connection. They can offer more troubleshooting tips or provide you with a list of servers better suited for the job.
Can I use a free VPN to watch F1?
Yes, but I don’t recommend using a free VPN for F1. Despite of what they claim, most free VPNs can’t reliably access F1 streaming platforms. You’re much better off using a premium VPN with a tried and tested money-back guarantee.
Plus, free VPNshave data caps and speed restrictions, so you’ll only be able to watch the races for a maximum of a few hours a month. Even worse, some free services log and sell user data for profit, compromising your online privacy.
What is the best VPN for F1 TV Pro?
That depends on what you’re looking for in a VPN. My top recommended VPN is great for lag-free F1 TV Pro streaming. I’ve also got options that offer unlimited device connections, which is great for large households of F1 lovers who want to watch different races. All offer fantastic security features to protect your data while you stream, too.
Get the Best VPN for F1
The best way to watch every game of the F1 Grand Prix is with a VPN. A reliable premium VPN can safely access a wide range of F1 streaming services in the best possible quality.
After testing over 30 different VPNs, only a handful were fast enough for smooth F1 streaming. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It gave me the best speeds for streaming and allowed me to watch F1 lag-free. You can watch F1 with ExpressVPN risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching F1 in HD from anywhere…
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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