NOW (formerly NOW TV) is a UK-based streaming service owned by Sky, offering contract-free access to live and on-demand TV, movies, and sports—including F1 via Sky Sports F1. F1 is only available in the UK and Ireland with a paid Sports Membership. The service works on most smart TVs, streaming sticks, consoles, and mobile devices.
NOW TV—recently rebranded simply as NOW—is a UK-based streaming service offering contract-free access to live and on-demand TV, movies, and sports. It’s owned by Sky and operates as an online platform for viewers who want Sky’s premium content without a satellite dish or long-term contract. NOW is available as an app and via web browsers, covering a wide range of devices.
Yes. Formula 1 is available to stream on NOW TV through the Sky Sports F1 channel. To access live F1 races, practice, and qualifying sessions, you need a NOW Sports Membership, which unlocks all 11 Sky Sports channels, including the dedicated F1 channel. The service shows every race live, along with expert analysis, highlights, and additional F1 content.
NOW TV is officially available only in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The service is geo-restricted, meaning you must be physically located in these countries to sign up and stream content. If you try to access NOW TV from outside these regions, you’ll see an error message or be blocked from viewing live streams and on-demand content.
Access to F1 on NOW TV is restricted due to licensing agreements and broadcasting rights. Sports rights holders, such as Formula 1 Management, sell exclusive broadcasting rights to specific networks in each country. Sky holds the exclusive rights to show F1 in the UK and Ireland, and NOW TV acts as their streaming arm. As a result, NOW TV must block access from outside these territories to comply with these agreements.
To watch F1 on NOW TV, you need:
There is no free tier for live sports. All F1 content on NOW TV is behind the Sports Membership paywall.
NOW TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it easy to watch F1 wherever you are (within supported regions). Supported devices include:
Note: Some older devices may not be supported. Always check the NOW website for the most up-to-date compatibility list.
NOW TV’s F1 coverage is only licensed for streaming in the UK and Ireland. Attempting to access the service from abroad may violate NOW’s terms of service, and the company employs geo-blocking technology to enforce these restrictions. While using tools to bypass geo-blocks is common among travellers and expats, it’s important to be aware of the legal and contractual implications. Always review the terms of service for both NOW and any unblocking tool you use.
If you’re a UK or Irish resident travelling overseas, you’ll find NOW TV is unavailable due to geo-restrictions. This can be frustrating during the F1 season. To regain access to your subscription, you’ll need a way to make your device appear as if it’s still in the UK or Ireland.
This is where streaming access platforms like StreamLocator can help. Unlike traditional VPNs, StreamLocator uses Smart DNS and hybrid proxy technology optimised for streaming. It automatically routes your streaming traffic through the correct region, meaning you don’t have to manually select servers or worry about slow speeds. StreamLocator works on devices that often struggle with VPN apps, such as Smart TVs, streaming sticks, and consoles. This makes it a practical solution for watching F1 on NOW TV while abroad, as long as you have an active Sports Membership.
There is currently no legitimate way to watch live F1 races for free on NOW TV. All live sports content, including F1, is behind the Sports Membership paywall. Occasionally, NOW may offer free trials or promotional offers for new customers, but these are rare for sports content. Always check the official NOW website for any current offers. Be wary of unofficial streams or “free” access tools, as these may be illegal or unsafe.
For the best F1 viewing experience on NOW TV, consider the following devices:
If you want to watch abroad or on devices that don’t support VPN apps, StreamLocator’s Smart DNS solution or dedicated hardware hub can help you access NOW TV without complex setup.
Yes, you do not need a traditional Sky satellite subscription. A NOW Sports Membership is all that’s required to stream Sky Sports F1 live on NOW TV.
Yes, F1 is available in HD if you have the NOW Boost add-on, which provides higher quality streaming and surround sound on supported devices.
Officially, no—NOW TV is geo-blocked outside the UK and Ireland. However, streaming access platforms like StreamLocator can help you regain access to your subscription when travelling abroad.
NOW TV works on most Smart TVs, streaming sticks, game consoles, PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets. See the NOW website for a complete compatibility list.
Yes, you generally need a UK or Ireland-issued credit/debit card, PayPal, or gift card to sign up and pay for NOW TV. Some international cards may work, but this is not guaranteed.
No, your membership is only valid for streaming within the UK and Ireland. To use it abroad, you’ll need a geo-unblocking solution like StreamLocator.
Free trials for sports content are rare. Occasionally, NOW may offer introductory discounts or bundles, but always check the official website for current promotions.
Yes, NOW TV offers on-demand highlights and race replays on the Sky Sports F1 channel, available to Sports Membership holders.
You can register multiple devices, but there are limits on simultaneous streams. With NOW Boost, you can stream on up to three devices at once (otherwise, it’s typically one).
Using a Smart DNS service like StreamLocator to bypass geo-blocks is a grey area. It may violate NOW TV’s terms of service but is not illegal in most countries. Always review relevant terms and make informed choices.