F1 Race Schedule: How to Watch Every Grand Prix

This guide explains how to watch every Formula 1 race, covering the full season schedule, session times, and the best ways to tune in from anywhere in the world. You’ll learn how the race calendar is structured, what each session means, and how to avoid missing a single Grand Prix.

Formula

The average pace and speed are calculated from the finish time and race distance using these formulas:

• Average pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Average speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables:

• Finish time (t) – total race duration in minutes
• Distance (d) – total race distance in kilometers
• Average pace – minutes per kilometer, a lower number means faster
• Average speed – kilometers per hour, a higher number means faster

Worked Example

Using the default values (finish time = 90 minutes, distance = 305 km):

1. Average pace = 90 ÷ 305 = 0.295 min/km (rounded to 0.30)
2. Average speed = 305 ÷ (90 ÷ 60) = 305 ÷ 1.5 = 203.33 km/h

So for a 90-minute race covering 305 km, the average pace is 0.30 min/km and the average speed is 203.33 km/h. This matches the calculator output.

Understanding the F1 Race Calendar

A typical Formula 1 season runs from March to December, with 22 to 24 Grand Prix events. Each race weekend is called a Grand Prix and is held at a different circuit or street track. The calendar is announced by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, usually in the previous year. It includes both traditional venues like Monaco and Silverstone, and newer additions like Miami and Las Vegas.

Each Grand Prix follows a similar structure:

• Friday – Two free practice sessions (FP1 and FP2)
• Saturday – Final practice (FP3) and Qualifying
• Sunday – The race itself

Sprint weekends change this format: Friday has only one practice, Saturday has a sprint race and qualifying for the main race, and Sunday remains the main race. Sprint races are shorter (about 100 km) and award points to the top eight finishers.

Where to Watch F1 Races

Broadcasting rights vary by country, but there are three main ways to watch:

• Official F1 TV – Available in many countries, offers live streams of every session, onboard cameras, and live timing. It is the most comprehensive option for fans.
• Local broadcasters – In the UK, Sky Sports holds exclusive rights; in the US, ESPN (English) and Fox Deportes (Spanish) broadcast races; other countries have their own networks.
• Free-to-air channels – Some countries like Italy (TV8) and Germany (RTL) show highlights or select races free.

For viewers in regions where F1 TV is not available, a VPN can be used to access the service from a supported country, but you should check the terms of service first.

How to Find the Exact Race Schedule

The most reliable source is the official Formula 1 website (formula1.com), which lists the full calendar with dates and local start times. You can also use:

• F1 mobile app – Official app with push notifications for session start times
• Broadcaster websites – Often list local TV times
• Online search – Searching “F1 schedule 2025â€� gives a quick overview

Because races are held across different time zones, start times vary. For example, a race in Japan at 14:00 local time is 05:00 UTC, which is 01:00 on the US East Coast. Always double-check the local start time in your time zone, especially for races in Asia or Australia.

Common Mistakes When Planning to Watch

Fans often miss races due to avoidable errors:

• Forgetting time zone differences – A race at 15:00 in Europe may be early morning in the Americas.
• Assuming all sessions are at the same time – Qualifying and practice times differ each day.
• Not accounting for daylight saving – Clocks change at different dates in various countries, so check the current offset.
• Relying on social media for times – Posts may be in a different time zone or outdated.

To avoid these, set a reminder using the F1 app or your phone’s calendar with the correct local time.

How to Choose the Best Viewing Option

Consider your budget, location, and how many sessions you want to watch:

• Casual viewer – Free-to-air highlights or local broadcaster’s race-only coverage may suffice.
• Dedicated fan – F1 TV Pro (where available) offers every session live, plus archives.
• No live TV – F1 TV’s live timing and radio commentary can keep you updated.

If you want to watch every practice, qualifying, and race, a subscription to F1 TV or a premium sports channel is necessary. For those who only care about the race itself, a basic package or highlights show may be enough.

Costs and Free Alternatives

Official F1 TV costs a monthly or annual fee (prices vary by country). Local sports channels often require a cable or streaming subscription. Free alternatives include:

• Highlights on YouTube (official F1 channel posts race highlights)
• Live radio commentary on the F1 app (free in many regions)
• Delayed free-to-air broadcasts in some countries

Note that unofficial streams are often illegal and unreliable; using them may expose you to malware or poor quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch F1 for free?

In some countries, free-to-air channels broadcast the race live (e.g., Italy’s TV8, Germany’s RTL for select races). Elsewhere, you can watch highlights on YouTube for free, but full live coverage usually requires a paid subscription.

What is the difference between F1 TV Access and F1 TV Pro?

F1 TV Access is cheaper and includes live timing, onboard cameras, and replays of races after they finish. F1 TV Pro adds live streaming of every session, including practice, qualifying, and the race, plus pre- and post-show content.

Why do some races start at odd times?

Races are scheduled to suit the local audience and global TV audiences. For example, the Las Vegas Grand Prix starts at 22:00 local time to be prime-time in Europe, while the Japanese Grand Prix starts in the afternoon local time to be morning in Europe.

How many races are in a Formula 1 season?

Recent seasons have had 22 to 24 races. The 2024 season had 24 Grand Prix, and 2025 also has 24 races. The number can change due to contract renewals or cancellations.

What is a sprint race and how does it affect the schedule?

A sprint race is a short race (about 100 km) held on Saturday, with qualifying for the main race moved to Friday. It awards points to the top eight finishers and changes the weekend format, so you need to adjust your viewing times.

Can I watch F1 on my phone or tablet?

Yes, F1 TV has apps for iOS and Android, and most broadcasters offer streaming apps. You can watch live sessions on mobile devices, but check if your subscription allows simultaneous streams.

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in t | Finish time | min | 90 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 305 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2