How to Watch F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Live Online in 2024
If you’re a big Formula 1 fan like me, then there’s no way you can miss the grand finale of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Although, you can’t watch it online everywhere. For example, you can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the US on F1 TV Pro.
In theory, you can use a VPN to change your IP address and access streaming platforms unavailable in your region. However, it's important to note that this often violates the Terms of Service of many streaming platforms.
If you just want to secure your connection, ExpressVPN is the clear winner for watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Its impressive speeds allow you to watch the live F1 action uninterrupted in UHD, so you feel like you’re at the Yas Marina circuit. Plus, you have plenty of time to try ExpressVPN risk-free before race day, as it comes with a 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.
Quick Guide: How to Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it gave me the best speeds during testing. So you can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix without missing a moment due to connection problems or buffering.
- Connect to a local server. For example, if you’re in the US, connecting to a nearby server will give you faster speeds for watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on ESPN+.
- Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You can now log into your streaming account and catch every lap of the racing season’s big finale.
Best VPNs for Watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Online in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest Connection Speeds for Flawless F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Streams
Tested October 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Fast short- and long-distance speeds to stream the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in UHD |
Server Network | Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 24 US server locations |
Simultaneous Connections | 8 connections allow you to stream F1 seamlessly on multiple devices |
Available On | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more |
ExpressVPN has some of the fastest speeds of any VPN I’ve tested, making it perfect for streaming live F1. With only a 12% drop in speed when connecting to the US server, I could watch F1 on ESPN+ from New York in crisp detail. ExpressVPN gave me an average speed of 87.9 Mbps, which is capable of streaming every lap in 4K (since this quality requires only 25 Mbps minimum).
ExpressVPN is also super easy to set up on any compatible device, so you won’t miss out on any action due to technical difficulties. To stream F1 on devices that don’t support a VPN, like Xbox or Apple TV, you can do a router setup. It has a router app that makes it easy to switch to a server you need for the Grand Prix, unlike other VPNs where changing any setting is a technical process.
The only thing to keep in mind is that ExpressVPN has the highest prices on this list, starting at $6.67/month. However, I went for the longest-term plan because it gives the best value for money. You also get a chance to try ExpressVPN risk-free as it backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you don’t have to worry about risking your money for a single race.
Useful Features
- Lightway protocol. This is ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol, which was the fastest during my tests for buffer-free F1 streams.
- 24/7 live chat support. ExpressVPN’s technical team always replied to me in 2 minutes or faster. If you have any technical issues accessing your F1 live stream, they’ll help you find a solution.
- Streaming app shortcuts. Add your F1 streaming app to ExpressVPN’s home screen for easy access. Then just click or tap the icon to connect the VPN, launch the app, and start watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Split tunneling. This allows you to choose which traffic should go through the VPN. For example, you can use it to securely watch F1 Abu Dhabi on the ESPN+ app while accessing other websites in Chrome with your regular, unencrypted connection (for example, to save mobile data usage on your phone).
2. CyberGhost — Servers Optimized for Streaming F1 Abu Dhabi With Ease
Best Feature | Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on dedicated servers optimized for streaming |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries |
Simultaneous Connections | Watch CyberGhost on most household devices with 7 simultaneous connections |
Available On | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more |
CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers to watch the biggest race of the season without interruptions. While in the US, I connected to a dedicated server for ESPN+. You can conveniently find it under the For streaming tab or use the search bar. CyberGhost regularly rotates these IPs, too, minimizing your chances of encountering VPN errors when the race is about to start.
Fast connection speeds are integral for uninterrupted, high-quality streaming, and CyberGhost delivers. In my tests, the service averaged a mere 20% speed drop across the US servers, which was slower than ExpressVPN but still good. This minimal reduction in speed gave me smooth HD quality, so you won't miss a single moment of the Grand Prix action.
The only issue was that the 24/7 live chat didn't always work, and I experienced instances when agents were slow to respond via email. However, I found CyberGhost’s apps user-friendly during my tests, so I didn’t need a lot of help.
You have ample time before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to test CyberGhost with F1 streaming sites for free thanks to the 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans.
Useful Features
- App rules. This setting under Smart rules lets you automatically connect the VPN when you launch a specific streaming app of your choice. It gives you quicker access to the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since CyberGhost will get connected as soon as you open that app.
- Wi-Fi protection. If you’ll be streaming the race on public Wi-Fi, this feature ensures CyberGhost is always connected before you use any unsecured or shared networks.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on All Your Devices With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Best Feature | No limit on devices allowed per account |
Server Network | A massive network of 29,650 servers in 91 countries means overcrowding won’t slow down your F1 streams |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited simultaneous connections to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on all your devices |
Available On | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and more |
With PIA's unlimited connections, there’s no device limit standing in your way of watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While most other VPNs kick you off when you exceed a device cap, PIA won’t log you out unexpectedly as you’re watching the race. During my tests, PIA also had feature-rich apps for all common devices, but I found it easy to set up on other platforms like my Apple TV.
PIA dropped my speeds by 26%, which was more than ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, but it was still fast enough for streaming F1 in HD. Also, it displays the ping next to each server, so you can quickly find one with the fastest response time. This increases your chances for smooth streams of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
PIA is one of the best value-for-money VPNs, particularly if you subscribe long-term. I recommend its longest-term plan since there’s a generous discount of 82%. It also covers all its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk if you try PIA for watching F1 races.
Useful Features
- Streaming-optimized servers. PIA has dedicated streaming servers for reliable connections. For example, while in the US, I connected to the US East streaming-optimized server and watched the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix without interruptions.
- Customizable apps. You can customize every aspect of the PIA app’s home dashboard screen to make it as easy as possible to use when you’re ready to watch F1 races.
Where Can I Watch the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Online?
While many countries have TV broadcasters that show all F1 races, there are also many options for streaming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix without cable. Not all channels have the rights to broadcast the races globally, however, so you can use the table below as a guide.
Country | Platform(s) |
US | F1 TV Pro, beIN Sports Connect, Sling TV, FuboTV, ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Xfinity |
Australia | beIN Sports Connect, Fox Sports, Kayo |
UAE | beIN Sports Connect |
UK | Sky Sports, BT Sports |
India | F1 TV Pro |
Austria | F1 TV Pro, ORF (Free), Sky Sports |
Japan | Fuji Television NEXT Live Premium, DAZN |
South Korea | Coupang TV |
Saudi Arabia | beIN Sports Connect |
Canada | F1 TV Pro, beIN Sports Connect, RDS, TSN |
Spain | DAZN |
Germany | Sky Deutschland |
Brazil | F1 TV Pro |
F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access
F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access are both official streaming platforms of Formula 1, but they offer different levels of access. Pro provides live streaming of every track session for all Grand Prix, along with access to onboard cameras and team radio. Access offers live timing and audio commentary, but full race replays are available only after a certain time delay.
F1 TV Access is also available in more countries. You can’t watch Pro in Germany, Spain, Japan, or the MENA region, to name a few. As for price difference, Pro costs around $10/month or $80/year, while Access is around $3/month or $27/year.
beIN Sports Connect
beIN Sports Connect offers a wide variety of sports content, including Formula 1. It features live and on-demand access, with rights to broadcast all race weekends, including practice sessions, qualifying races, F1 Sprint events, and races.
beIN Sports has a global presence, but it has exclusive rights to broadcast F1 across many MENA and Asian countries. Although pricing varies by country, it’s around $15/month in most places.
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is a UK-based sports broadcasting network, known for its comprehensive coverage of Formula 1 races. With Sky Sports F1 channel, you can enjoy live sessions, expert analysis, exclusive interviews, and more. It's worth noting that Sky Sports' F1 coverage is often rebroadcast on many other streaming platforms worldwide, including some on this list.
However, Sky Sports itself is typically exclusive to the UK and Ireland. However, people in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany can also watch its coverage via the Pay TV service Sky Deutschland. In Italy, you can watch it on Sky Italia. The Sky Sports streaming service for the UK starts at about £25/month.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service from the renowned sports broadcaster ESPN. It provides a diverse array of live sports, including all F1 events. Although it’s a US exclusive, it provides extensive coverage thanks to its Sky Sports feed. ESPN+ is priced at around $10/month or $100 annually.
DAZN
DAZN is a global sports streaming platform with extensive coverage of a variety of sports. It holds exclusive streaming rights for Formula 1 in countries like Japan and Spain. You can use DAZN to catch live and on-demand sporting events, including pre and post-race analysis.
Its cost varies by country, from around $15/month in Spain to $25/month in Japan. Most VPNs can’t unblock DAZN, but to watch from abroad, you can get into your account with ExpressVPN. It was one of the rare VPNs that gave me access to DAZN.
Streaming platforms like F1 TV Pro are limited to specific countries. Note that if you try to access your F1 TV Pro account from abroad, the platform reads your IP address and blocks access.
Note: Although it's possible to use a VPN to access F1 TV Pro from a different country, doing so may violate the platform's Terms & Conditions and could be considered copyright infringement.
FAQs on Watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix With a VPN
Can I watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the US?
Yes, there are multiple ways to watch the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the US. ABC and ESPN Deportes have broadcasting rights to all F1 races in the country on terrestrial TV. To watch without a broadcast TV subscription, you just need a plan on an on-demand sports streaming service like F1TV Pro, ESPN+, DAZN, or beIN Sports. As long as you have a reliable VPN with servers in the US, you can securely stream the F1 events.
Is it possible to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix online for free?
Yes, ORF 1 has the right to broadcast 12 F1 races per season for free, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, ORF live streams are only available to users in Austria.
RTL Zwee also airs the last F1 race for fans in Luxembourg. If you’re in Belgium, you can also watch on RTBF. 10Play and Kayo Sports in Australia broadcast the entire F1 season, so with Kayo Sports’ 7-day free trial, you can watch without paying if you have an Australian payment method.
Other free-to-air channels that will show the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix include Band in Brazil, SRF Info in Switzerland, RTSH in Albania, and race highlights on Channel 4 in the UK.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Yes, but despite being tempting, I don’t recommend using a free VPN to watch the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They typically have slower connection speeds, giving you frustrating buffering and poor image quality — not ideal when you want to enjoy the thrilling climax of the F1 season. For uninterrupted action, it’s best to use a premium VPN with fast and reliable connections.
Free VPNs also usually have small networks, which may not cover your home country and are prone to overcrowding. This causes buffering during races when too many users compete for bandwidth. Some even finance their operations with intrusive ads, by selling your data, or even by using malware to secretly track you even when you’re not watching F1.
Why is my VPN not working for streaming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
There are several reasons why your VPN isn't working for streaming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, like server overload or outdated VPN software. Here are some potential solutions:
- Connect to a server in a country where your F1 streaming site is accessible. For example, if you’re in the US, connect to a US server to securely watch F1 on your ESPN+ account.
- Try a different server in the country you’re in. Sometimes, streaming platforms block VPN IPs, and this will give you a new, working IP.
- Watch through your platform’s site in a web browser instead of the streaming app.
- Clear cookies and cached data in your browser or streaming app.
- Contact your VPN's customer support team.
If these steps don't resolve the issue, consider switching to a VPN on this list. They all have reliable servers you can use for local streaming services, depending on the location you're in. Our global team tested them and verified that they work with many sites that show the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Minutes
Finding a VPN that lets you watch the Grand Prix buffer-free and keep you safe online is hard. All the VPNs on my list can give you excellent speeds for uninterrupted streaming and protect your privacy.
My top recommendation for watching the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is ExpressVPN. Its consistently fast speeds let you dive into the thrill of the final F1 races without interruptions ruining the winning lap. Plus, you can test ExpressVPN risk-free for up to 30 days, as it offers a money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…
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.
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.
Please, comment on how to improve this article. Your feedback matters!