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To watch F1 in the UK live, you need Sky Sports F1, either through a Sky TV package or a NOW membership with no contract. Sky shows every practice session, qualifying, sprint and Grand Prix exclusively. If you only want highlights, Channel 4 shows free-to-air highlights of every race in 2026, plus the British Grand Prix live.
Here is how each option works, what it costs at the time of writing, and what to expect as Formula 1 heads into the 2027 season.
Sky Sports F1: the only live option
Sky has been the home of live F1 in the UK for years, and in May 2026 it agreed a new deal that extends its exclusive UK and Ireland rights to the end of the 2034 season. In practice, that means every session of every race weekend is on Sky Sports F1, with build-up shows, onboard cameras and the extra data feeds Sky offers.
There are two main ways to get the channel:
- Sky TV: add Sky Sports to a Sky Stream, Sky Glass or Sky Q package. Pricing depends on the bundle and any current offer.
- NOW: stream Sky Sports F1 through an app on a smart TV, streaming stick, console, phone or laptop, with flexible monthly billing.
The cheapest way to watch F1 live: NOW Multi-Sport
NOW recently split its Sky Sports offer into separate memberships. For F1 fans, the important one is Multi-Sport, which includes Sky Sports F1 alongside cricket, golf, tennis and others, but not the football channels.
| NOW membership | Includes Sky Sports F1? | Flexible | Saver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Sport | Yes | £26.99 a month | £19.99 a month |
| All Sky Sports | Yes | £34.99 a month | £27.99 a month |
| Football | No | £30.99 a month | £23.99 a month |
| Day Membership | Yes, for 24 hours | £14.99 | n/a |
Prices come from NOW’s help pages at the time of writing. Saver prices need a minimum term. If you only care about a few races, a Day Membership timed for Sunday can be cheaper than a full month. Just check that the 24 hours covers the session you want.
Free F1: highlights and the British Grand Prix
Free-to-air F1 has been part of Sky’s deals for some years. In 2026, Channel 4 shows extended highlights of qualifying and every race, usually a few hours after the chequered flag, and the British Grand Prix live, including practice and qualifying.
Under the new Sky agreement, highlights of every Grand Prix and live coverage of the British Grand Prix stay free-to-air in the UK. The free-to-air broadcaster for 2027 onwards had not been confirmed in the material we checked, so look out for an announcement before the season starts.
How a race weekend is covered
A normal Grand Prix weekend has three practice sessions, qualifying and the race. On sprint weekends, one practice session makes way for sprint qualifying and a shorter Saturday sprint race. Sky Sports F1 carries all of it live, along with pre-race and post-race shows, while the free highlights focus on qualifying and the Grand Prix itself.
Race start times vary with the time zone. European rounds usually start in the early afternoon UK time, while races in Asia and Australia can mean early morning starts and races in the Americas often finish late in the evening. If you rely on highlights, it is worth muting social media until you have watched.
What about F1 TV?
Formula 1’s own streaming service comes in two versions. F1 TV Pro, with live races, is not sold in the UK because Sky holds exclusive live rights. UK fans can buy F1 TV Access, which offers live timing, data and replays after the event, but no live video. It works as a companion to Sky rather than a replacement.
Getting the best picture
- Use a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi for race starts, when everyone is watching at once. Our guide on why streams buffer explains common causes.
- Choose a device that runs the NOW or Sky Go apps well; see our list of the best streaming devices.
- If you want Ultra HD, check NOW’s Boost options or a Sky TV package, as 4K usually costs extra. Our page on 4K IPTV requirements covers the bandwidth you need.
Avoid unofficial “Sky Sports F1” streams and playlists. They are unlicensed in the UK, they often fail at the worst moment, and they are a common route for malware. IPTV itself is legal; the question is always whether the provider holds the rights.
Which option should you choose?
| You are… | Best option |
|---|---|
| A fan who watches every session | NOW Multi-Sport on a Saver term, or Sky Sports in a Sky package |
| A race-day viewer | NOW Day Membership for the weekends you care about |
| Happy with highlights | Free-to-air highlights plus F1 TV Access for data |
| Also a football fan | NOW All Sky Sports |
For live F1 in the UK, stick with Sky Sports or NOW. For more on choosing sports services, see our guide to IPTV sports packages.
FAQ
Is F1 on free TV in the UK?
Highlights are. In 2026, Channel 4 shows free highlights of qualifying and every race, plus the British Grand Prix live. Live coverage of other races is only on Sky Sports F1.
What is the cheapest way to watch F1 live in the UK?
At the time of writing, NOW’s Multi-Sport membership is the lowest-priced monthly option, at around £19.99 a month on a Saver term or £26.99 a month flexible. A £14.99 Day Membership suits occasional viewers.
Can I get F1 TV Pro in the UK?
No. F1 TV Pro is not sold in the UK because of Sky’s exclusive live rights. You can buy F1 TV Access for live timing and replays, but not live video.
How long does Sky have the F1 rights?
Sky’s exclusive UK and Ireland rights were extended in May 2026 and run to the end of the 2034 season. The deal keeps highlights and the British Grand Prix free-to-air.
Does NOW Football include F1?
No. Sky Sports F1 sits in NOW’s Multi-Sport and All Sky Sports memberships, not the Football membership.
Part of our guides: UK streaming guide
