Cheapest way to watch F1

If you’re searching for the cheapest way to watch F1, you’re probably trying to avoid expensive local TV packages while still watching every race live. In markets like the UK, traditional options such as Sky are not only costly but also restrictive.

The good news is that there are much cheaper streaming alternatives that let you watch Formula 1 online—often with better features than cable TV. Using StreamLocator, you can access these platforms even when they’re normally unavailable in your country.

This article compares the best value ways to watch F1, weighing price, features, and trade-offs, and clearly explains how to watch F1 in the UK without Sky.

1. F1 TV Pro

What is F1 TV Pro?

F1 TV Pro is Formula 1’s official streaming service, offering live races, full replays, onboard cameras, and exclusive F1 content directly from the rights holders themselves.

Price

  • Typically ~£58–60 per year when subscribing through Canada with StreamLocator

Pros & cons of F1 TV Pro

Pros

  • Best overall value for F1 fans
  • Live races with multiple camera angles and driver onboard feeds
  • Alternative race maps and live timing views
  • Multiviewer support for advanced setups
  • Multiple audio tracks and commentary options
  • Full archive of entire past seasons, races and exclusive documentaries

Cons

  • Usually slightly more expensive than other streaming-only options
  • Interface can feel overwhelming for casual viewers
  • Not officially available in some countries (including the UK)

Even at the higher end, this is still far cheaper than any Sky Sports subscription, making it one of the strongest answers to how to watch F1 without Sky.

How to watch F1 TV Pro

F1 TV Pro is geo-restricted, UK users normally can’t subscribe directly. With StreamLocator F1 TV sees you as being in Canada so you can sign up, pay, and stream normally.

  1. Create a StreamLocator account and activate StreamLocator DNS on a web browser or a device that can access a web browser
  2. Follow our quick guide to create a Canadian Apple ID and add funds to it
  3. Grab an Apple device and Install the F1 TV app. You can get it from the App Store
  4. Subscribe to F1 TV Pro/Premium in the F1 app using the funds on your Canadian Apple ID and start streaming on any device
Watch F1 TV Pro with StreamLocator

2. TOD TV

What is TOD TV?

TOD TV is the official streaming platform of beIN Sports, offering live Formula 1 coverage alongside football, tennis, and other major sports.

Price

  • Typically £50–£65 per year (varies with selected plan)

Pros & cons of TOD TV

Pros

  • Excellent value for multi-sport fans, not just F1
  • Live F1 races with English commentary
  • Includes all Premier League fixtures live
  • Tennis and other international sports included
  • Reliable, high-quality HD and 4K streams

Cons

  • Interface is less F1-focused than F1 TV Pro
  • Fewer advanced F1 features (no view switching or multiviewer)
  • Geo-restricted outside supported countries (including the UK, find out why)

For viewers who want more than just Formula 1, TOD TV can be the cheapest way to watch F1, EPL and other premium sports all in one subscription.

How to access TOD TV

TOD TV is region-locked and often unavailable outside the Middle East. Using StreamLocator TOD TV becomes accessible as if you’re in a supported country so you can sign up, pay, and stream as usual

  1. Create a StreamLocator account and activate StreamLocator on your device using DNS or our apps
  2. Download the TOD TV app on the same device or access TOD from a web browser
  3. Subscribe using any international payment method
Watch TOD TV with StreamLocator

3. ORF + Servus TV + BBC Radio 5 Live

What is this setup?

This is the best FREE combo to watch F1 in both English and German.

ORF and Servus TV are free Austrian broadcasters that split live F1 races across the season. When combined with BBC Radio 5 Live (English commentary), you get a fully legal, entirely free F1 broadcast in English.

Price

  • £0 per year - Completely FREE official F1 stream

Pros & cons of ORF + Servus TV + BBC Radio 5

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Live F1 races with high-quality production
  • Original German TV commentary
  • BBC Radio 5 provides free English commentary
  • No subscription or contract required

Cons

  • Races are split between ORF and Servus TV
  • Requires switching platforms during the season
  • No 4K streams (1080p only)
  • No advanced features like onboard cameras, advanced telemetry or multi-view

This setup is unbeatable if your priority is cost and you’re comfortable with a slightly more manual setup. A VPN or simillar service is also required for these. If your VPN isn't working check out why.

How to watch ORF, Servus TV & BBC Radio 5

All three services are region-restricted. With StreamLocator ORF, Servus TV and BBC Radio 5 are accessible from anywhere.

  1. Create a StreamLocator account, activate StreamLocator on your device using DNS or our apps
  2. Download the ORF, Sevrus TV and BBC Radio apps on the same device OR access them from a web browser
  3. Sign-up for a free account with each service to watch the full F1 season
Watch ORF & Servus TV with StreamLocator

Final comparison: Cheapest ways to watch F1

Service Best for Key pros Main cons Price
F1 TV Pro Hardcore F1 fans Onboards, Multiviewer, archives Slightly higher cost ~£60–£80/year
TOD TV Multi-sport viewers F1 + EPL + tennis and more No advanced F1 features ~£50–£65/year
ORF + Servus TV + BBC Radio 5 Lowest possible cost Free, full season No 4K, platform switching £0
Sky Sports (UK TV) Fans with existing
Sky Sports subscription
Traditional Sky commentary,
old-school experience
Very expensive,
no F1 advanced features
Base Sky Sports
+ 240£/year for F1 add-on

Final thoughts: Cheapest way to watch F1 without Sky

If you’re trying to figure out how to watch F1 without Sky, all of the options above are significantly cheaper than any UK TV bundle—and often better.

  • Want the best F1 experience? Choose F1 TV Pro
  • Want F1 + EPL and other sports? Choose TOD TV
  • Want the absolute cheapest way to watch F1? Choose ORF + Servus TV + BBC Radio 5 to watch completely free

StreamLocator is what makes all of these possible by removing geo-restrictions without the downsides of traditional VPNs. Not sure why your VPN isn't working? Find out why and what to try instead.

Watch F1 with StreamLocator