The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming up, and if you’re a fan of fast laps and on-track drama, you certainly don’t want to miss any races. This year, we’ll see a record 24 Grand Prix around the world, from Bahrain to the iconic finale in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re cheering on TV, on your mobile or online, here’s how to enjoy it all to the full while bypassing geographical restrictions with a VPN.
Formula 1 Calendar 2025
This year will bring a mix of classic tracks and modern circuits. For example, the controversial Las Vegas Grand Prix returns and there are also traditional stops such as Monaco, Silverstone and Monza. Full race schedule
| # | Date | State | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29. 2. – 2. 3. | Bahrain | Sakhir |
| 2 | 7. – 9. 3. | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah |
| 3 | 22. – 24. 3. | Australia | Melbourne |
| 4 | 5. – 7. 4. | Japan | Suzuka |
| 5 | 19. – 21. 4. | China | Shanghai |
| 6 | 3. – 5. 5. | Miami | Miami |
| 7 | 17. – 19. 5. | Emilia Romagna | Imola |
| 8 | 24. – 26. 5. | Monaco | Monaco |
| 9 | 7. – 9. 6. | Canada | Montreal |
| 10 | 21. – 23. 6. | Spain | Barcelona |
| 11 | 28. – 30. 6. | Austria | Spielberg |
| 12 | 5. – 7. 7. | United Kingdom | Silverstone |
| 13 | 19. – 21. 7. | Hungary | Budapest |
| 14 | 26. – 28. 7. | Belgium | Spa |
| 15 | 23. – 25. 8. | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
| 16 | 30. 8. – 1. 9. | Italy | Monza |
| 17 | 13. – 15. 9. | Azerbaijan | Baku |
| 18 | 20. – 22. 9. | Singapore | Singapore |
| 19 | 18. – 20. 10. | USA | Austin |
| 20 | 25. – 27. 10. | Mexico | Mexico City |
| 21 | 1. – 3. 11. | Brazil | São Paulo |
| 22 | 21. – 23. 11. | USA | Las Vegas |
| 23 | 29. 11. – 1. 12. | Qatar | Lusail |
| 24 | 6. – 8. 12. | United Arab Emirates | Yas Marina |
Why use a VPN to watch Formula 1?
Formula 1 races are broadcast around the world, but availability varies by region. For example, you can watch the races for free in Austria (ServusTV), Belgium (RTBF) or Luxembourg (RTL).
However, most other countries require subscriptions to TV channels or streaming services such as Sky Sports, ESPN or F1 TV Pro.
The problem arises when you travel or live in an area where there is no access to the service you prefer. That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in. A VPN allows you to connect to the internet through a server in another country, bypassing geographical restrictions.
This allows you to watch races on channels that are normally only available in other regions.
How to watch Formula 1 with a VPN: Step by step
- Choose a reliable VPN:
- I recommend services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark. They are fast, secure and have servers in a large number of countries.
- Download and install the software:
- Each VPN has apps for different devices, such as your phone, laptop, smart TV, or even a gaming console.
- Connect to the server in the desired country:
- For example, if you want to watch a free stream on ServusTV, connect to a server in Austria.
- Open platform with broadcast:
- Log in to the website or app where the broadcast is available and enjoy the race.
- Optimize settings:
- Make sure your internet connection is stable and your VPN settings are properly optimized for streaming. Some VPNs even offer servers specifically designed for video streaming.
Best VPN Services for Formula 1
Let’s break down the three most popular VPN services and their benefits:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is often considered the king of VPNs due to its speed and reliability. It offers over 3,000 servers in 106 countries, which means you can easily find a server for any channel. Benefits of this service include:
- Unlimited speed: Ideal for high quality streaming (up to 4K).
- Strong encryption: 256-bit AES encryption protects your data.
- Multi-device support: you can use up to 8 devices simultaneously.
- Price: From $4.99 per month (with a 30-day money-back guarantee).
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is known for its security features and affordable price. With more than 7,000 servers in 118 countries, it covers almost the entire world. Key benefits:
- Support up to 6 devices simultaneously.
- Advanced features: for example, Double VPN (two layers of encryption) for added security.
- Fast servers: ideal for live sports.
- Price: from $3.19 per month (discounts of up to 70% often available).
3. Surfshark
Surfshark stands out for its affordability and the possibility of unlimited connected devices. It offers more than 3200 servers in 100 countries. Key benefits:
- Unlimited devices: one bill covers your entire household.
- Ad blocking: the CleanWeb feature eliminates intrusive ads.
- Price: From $2.19 per month, making it a great option for fans on a budget.
What to expect from using a VPN when streaming F1
Using a VPN to watch Formula 1 is a great way to secure access to traffic that might otherwise be blocked. Still, it’s good to keep a few things in mind:
- Stream quality: If you have a slow internet connection or are connecting to a server in a remote country, the video quality may be reduced.
- Legality: Most countries tolerate the use of VPNs, but circumventing geo-blocks may violate the terms of some platforms, such as F1 TV.
- Free VPNs: While they exist, they often offer limited speeds, fewer servers, and less security. I recommend avoiding them and opting for a paid service with a free trial.
Formula 1 TV channels by country
If you don’t want to use a VPN and have access to local channels, here’s a list of TV stations that broadcast Formula 1 around the world. This list will help you find out where you can watch the races in your country.
| Country | Channels broadcasting Formula 1 |
|---|---|
| Austria | ServusTV, ORF |
| Belgium | RTBF, Telenet, Play Sports |
| Czech Republic and Slovakia | Nova Sport |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports, Channel 4 |
| Germany | Sky Deutschland |
| USA | ESPN, ESPN Deportes |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Foxtel, Kayo, Network Ten |
| Canada | RDS, RDS 2, TSN, Noovo |
| Italy | Sky Italia |
| Spain and Andorra | DAZN F1 |
| France | Canal+ |
| Netherlands | Viaplay, Viaplay Xtra |
Tips for smooth streaming of Formula 1 races
To make watching the races as enjoyable as possible, follow these tips:
- Stable internet connection:
- Fast internet is essential. For streaming in HD or 4K quality, I recommend a minimum speed of 25 Mbps.
- Select the correct VPN:
- When choosing a VPN, prefer providers with high speeds and servers in a country where streaming is free.
- Optimize device:
- Close unnecessary background apps that can slow down performance. If you’re streaming on a smart TV, make sure it has updated software.
- Check the schedule:
- Due to time shifts, check the race times in your country so you don’t miss them.
- Consider subscribing to F1 TV Pro:
- The platform offers detailed coverage, including driver cockpit shots and analysis. However, a monthly subscription can be more expensive than using a VPN.
The legality and ethics of using a VPN
Using a VPN to access geo-restricted content is legal in many countries, but may violate the terms of the streaming platforms. Here are a few things to consider:
- Regional rules: Always make sure that using a VPN is legal in your country.
- Terms of Service: Some platforms, such as F1 TV, may disable the use of VPNs, which may result in your account being suspended.
- Choose a reputable provider: use a verified VPN service that respects user privacy and doesn’t log user activity.
Summary: How to enjoy the F1 2025 season
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises excitement from the first round in Bahrain to the finish line in Abu Dhabi. With the right preparation, whether through local channels or VPN, you can watch every race without worry.
Recommended VPNs such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark ensure smooth traffic and open up access to channels around the world.
