F1 TV: Everything you need to know

Formula 1 confirmed plans for its new over-the-top (OTT) streaming service - F1 TV - earlier this week in what is set to be a seismic shift in the sport’s broadcasting landscape, giving fans more ways than ever before to tune in.

F1 TV will be part of Liberty Media’s digital revolution for F1 as it looks to transform the way in which we are able to watch grands prix and make the experience better than ever before.

Since the announcement on Tuesday, there have been a large number of questions about the ins and outs of the new F1 TV service. Here’s a run-down of everything we know so far.

What is F1 TV?

F1 TV is a new, over-the-top grand prix subscription service for streaming F1 that will be available to fans across the world.

What are the F1 TV packages?

F1 TV will be available in two tiers: F1 TV Access and F1 TV Pro.

F1 TV Access will be available on a “near-global basis” and will include race replays, highlights, live timing, data and live radio streaming.

F1 TV Pro is limited to 40 territories around the world, but will be a more comprehensive product. This will offer complete live streaming of every F1 session, featuring 24 feeds with commentary in four languages (English, French, Spanish and German), including onboard cameras for all 20 drivers and a data feed.

Where will I be able to get F1 TV Pro?

F1 TV will initially be available over 50 territories around the world at launch. Some of the major markets include the United States, Mexico, France, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria and large parts of Latin America.

You can see a full list of where F1 TV Pro will be available by clicking here.

How much will F1 TV cost?

F1 TV Access is estimated to cost $2-3 per month, or $20 if bought in a yearly package.

F1 TV Pro is estimated to cost $8-12 per month, or $100 if bought in a yearly package.

When will F1 TV launch?

F1 is aiming to launch F1 TV on March 22 in time for the Australian Grand Prix, with the race in Melbourne taking place on March 25.

How can I watch F1 TV?

F1 TV will be available only via desktop for the Australian Grand Prix weekend to ensure a stable technical experience for fans. It will then be rolled out to mobile and tablet apps soon after, with connective TV devices (e.g. Chromecast or Airplay) following at a later date, estimated to be within two months of launch.

Will F1 TV be available in 4K?

F1 TV is unlikely to be available in 4K, but will be broadcast in HD.

Why is F1 TV not available in the UK?

F1 signed a long-term agreement to exclusively broadcast all sessions live on Sky Sports that runs from 2019 to 2024, following the expiration of the current shared deal with Channel 4 at the end of the 2018 season.

However, F1’s director of digital and new business, Frank Arthofer, said the sport would be open to discussing options about the rights with Sky to try and introduce F1 TV in the UK earlier than the expiration of the current deal.

“In the markets where we haven’t carved the rights out, like the UK as an example, we’re very open to working with our partners to consider a path to upselling this product to our broadcast partner’s customer base,” Arthofer said.

Will I be able to use a VPN to watch F1 TV?

Arthofer said that F1 was “very” motivated to address the possible usage of VPNs to get around geosecurity measures and access F1 TV in countries where it is not being made available.

“We’re working with our technology partners to put in place best in class content security and protection,” Arthofer said.

“That’s always been, I’d say, a fairly conservative position we’ve taken from a Formula 1 perspective, but another way we’ve been aggressive in protecting our IP and will continue to do so on the surface.

“We want to protect our broadcast partners. It’s very important to us.”

Which commentary options will be available?

F1 will be working with its existing broadcast partners for the commentary on F1 TV depending on what language you will be watching in. For example, the English broadcast will be supplied by Sky Sports, while the French coverage is provisionally set to come via Canal +.

Will classic F1 coverage be available through F1 TV?

Classic F1 coverage will be available through F1 TV, as confirmed by Arthofer during Wednesday’s press conference.

“The goal is to have a handful of races both on a full and highlight basis available at launch, going back to 1981, so 36 years,” Arthofer said.

“A lot of that content has never been really seen or released. It has been sitting in our production studio in Biggin Hill and we’re doing our best to make it available to fans now.

“I personally think it’s a really great asset and something that - regardless of whether fans will pay for it - will surprise and delight them once they sign up for the service.”