How and where to watch Formula 1 live and free with a VPN

Want to watch Formula 1 for free and without restrictions? I’ll show you how with a VPN. An overview of the platforms, the 2025 race calendar and step-by-step instructions.
Ferrari F1 racing car number 55 on the circuit during the Grand Prix, sponsors Shell, Ray-Ban and Pirelli visible on the bodywork

Formula 1 fans are in for another busy season in 2025. New tracks, driver transfers, the return of legends and a few surprises on the calendar. Whether you’re rooting for Verstappen, waiting for Hamilton in a Ferrari, or just want to hear the engines roar from the comfort of your couch, there’s one major concern – where and how do I watch F1 if I don’t want to pay a fortune or am away from home?

I personally have solved this problem quite often. And honestly – I wouldn’t have enjoyed half of the season without VPN. Let me show you how to do it. Plus I’ll add a full race list, platforms, prices and some tips on how to watch F1 for free – even in Germany, Austria or even Miami.


Where to watch F1 live online

VPN Surfshark's Formula 1 season offer - 86% off and 3 months free, with secure streaming of races with the driver on TV.
SurfShark VPN

There are more than enough places to watch Formula 1 – but not all of them are convenient. Sometimes you pay too much, sometimes you hit a geo-block. Here’s a rundown of the most common platforms that are worth it – and how to get to them easily via VPN.

F1 TV Pro

  • ✅ Official stream from Formula 1
  • 💶 Price: from 7,99 € per month (different prices in different countries)
  • 🌍 Available in selected countries (e.g. Austria, Belgium, Mexico)
  • ⚙️ Recommended with VPN: switch to Austria and pay less

ORF (Austria)

  • 🎥 Austrian public television
  • 💰 Price: free (you need an Austrian IP – VPN!)
  • 🔁 Commentary in German
  • ⏱️ Live race broadcasts

ServusTV (Austria)

  • 🟢 Another Austrian TV station
  • 📺 Quality online streams
  • 💶 Price: free via VPN
  • 🧠 Note: often alternates with ORF, who has which rights

Sky Deutschland

  • 📡 Premium content including exclusive content
  • 💶 Price: from 20-30 € per month
  • ⚠️ Requires a German account and IP
  • 🏎️ Advantage: super HD quality and detailed studio

ESPN (USA)

  • 🇺🇸 For American viewers
  • 💶 Price: depends on the provider, usually via Hulu/YouTube TV
  • ⚙️ VPN required, but free trials are often available

Formula 1 calendar for 2025

The 2025 season includes a record 24 races around the world. Here’s an overview of the Grand Prix planned:

DateGrand PrixCircuit
16 MarchAustraliaMelbourne
23 MarchChinaShanghai
6 AprilJapanSuzuka
13 AprilBahrainSakhir
20 AprilSaudi ArabiaJeddah
4 MayMiamiMiami Gardens
18 MayEmilia-RomagnaImola
25 MayMonacoMonte Carlo
1 JuneSpainBarcelona
15 JuneCanadaMontreal
29 JuneAustriaSpielberg
6 JulyUnited KingdomSilverstone
27 JulyBelgiumSpa-Francorchamps
3 AugustHungaryBudapest
31 AugustNetherlandsZandvoort
7 SeptemberItalyMonza
21 SeptemberAzerbaijanBaku
5 OctoberSingaporeMarina Bay
19 OctoberUSAAustin
26 OctoberMexicoMexico City
9 NovemberBrazilSão Paulo
22 NovemberLas VegasLas Vegas Strip
30 NovemberQatarLusail
7 DecemberAbu DhabiYas Marina

Teams and riders in the 2025 season 🏎️

The 2025 season brings several significant changes to the teams’ rosters:

  • Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (transfer from Mercedes)
  • Mercedes: George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli
  • Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson
  • McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
  • Williams: Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz Jr. (transfer from Ferrari)
  • Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
  • Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
  • Haas: Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
  • Kick Sauber: Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
  • Racing Bulls: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar

These changes promise an exciting season with new dynamics between teams and drivers.


Formula 1 teams in the 2025 season

The 2025 season shuffled the driver cards and brought one of the biggest surprises of the decade – Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari. Love him or hate him, this is going to be a show. Adding to the carousel is the talented Kimi Antonelli, who takes over from Hamilton at Mercedes.

Here is an overview of the teams and riders:

TeamRiders
Red BullMax Verstappen, Liam Lawson
FerrariCharles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton
MercedesGeorge Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli
McLarenLando Norris, Oscar Piastri
Aston MartinFernando Alonso, Lance Stroll
AlpinePierre Gasly, Jack Doohan
WilliamsAlexander Albon, Carlos Sainz Jr.
HaasEsteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman
Kick SauberNico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar

Young names like Bearman or Hadjar will be under pressure, but that’s often what makes future champions.


Watch Formula 1 from anywhere with a VPN

And now the most important thing – how to get to these races at all, unless you want to pay exorbitant amounts or if you are away from home. That’s where a VPN comes in as your secret weapon.

I personally have been using Surfshark for years. Whether I was on business in Poland or on vacation in Italy, I always connected to Austrian ORF or F1 TV Pro with a better price. Just switch the location and that’s it.

A VPN allows you to:

  • Connect to platforms like ORF, ServusTV or F1 TV Pro that would otherwise be unavailable
  • Save – some countries have cheaper subscriptions
  • Stream in 4K quality with no lag
  • Ensure privacy and bypass annoying geo-blocks or cookie pop-ups
  • Connect an unlimited number of devices – at home or on the go

How to set up Surfshark VPN for F1 tracking (tutorial)

The whole process can be done in 5 minutes by a technical antitalist.

  1. Sign up for Surfshark VPN
    Choose a good package – there are usually promotions like 2 years + 3 months free.
  2. Download the app for your device
    Works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, but also on a smart TV or router.
  3. Log in and select a location
    For example: 🇦🇹 Austria for ORF or F1 TV Pro.
  4. Connect and start the streaming platform
    Go to orf.at or F1 TV Pro.
  5. Enjoy the race without restrictions and in top quality
    And even from the beach. Or from your living room. But definitely in peace.

It’s exactly the same with other premium VPNs. So, if you want to try another VPN, you can try one suitable for watching Formula 1. Personally, I also recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost or Private Internet Access.

Previous Article

Best VPN for Fortnite PC: For lower ping and stability

Next Article

Watch Formula 1 live in Germany (2025) - Here's how!