Where to watch F1 Japanese Grand Prix: free and paid streaming options

The Japanese Grand Prix is back on the calendar, and all eyes are on Suzuka. Known for its figure-eight layout, iconic 130R corner, and unpredictable weather, the Suzuka Circuit always delivers high-stakes drama. With the 2025 F1 season heating up and every point crucial, this race could play a pivotal role in the championship fight.

So, where can you stream the action? Whether you’re looking for free broadcast options or premium services with every practice and qualifying session included, we’ve rounded up the best ways to watch the Japanese GP – no matter where you're tuning in from.

Japanese Grand Prix 2025 schedule (Eastern Time):

• Practice 1: Thursday, April 3, 10:30PM - 11:30PM​
• Practice 2: Friday, April 4, 2:00AM - 3:00AM​
• Practice 3: Friday, April 4, 10:30PM - 11:30PM​
• Qualifying: Saturday, April 5, 2:00AM - 3:00AM​
• Race: Sunday, April 6, 1:00AM

How to watch ESPN channels

Streaming service	ESPN	ESPN2	ESPNU
Hulu + Live TV	✅ Available	✅ Available	✅ Available
Fubo TV	✅ Available	✅ Available	❌ Not available
Sling TV	✅ Available (Sling Orange and Orange + Blue)	✅ Available (Sling Orange and Orange + Blue)	⚠ Requires Sports extra package

Note: No races from Japanese Grand Prix 2025 will be streamed on ESPN+.

F1 TV Pro

F1 TV Pro is a dedicated streaming service for Formula 1 fans in the US. It lets you watch every race, qualifying, and practice session live and without ads. You also get access to extras like driver onboard cameras, team radio, live timing, and maps showing each car on the track.

Here’s a quick look at the plans:

• F1 TV Pro – $10.99/month or $84.99/year. Includes a 7-day free trial.
• F1 TV Premium – $16.99/month or $129.99/year. Also includes a 7-day free trial and adds features like multiview, 4K streaming, and support for up to 6 devices at once.

It’s one of the most complete ways to follow F1 live.

Where to watch Japanese GP for free?

Some countries let you watch Formula 1 for free on their local TV channels. But these streams only work if you're in that country. If you're not, you’ll need a VPN to access them.

Here are the countries where you can stream F1 races for free:

Streaming service	Country available	Broadcast language
RTBF	Belgium	French
RTL Zwee & RTL Play	Luxembourg	Luxembourgish
Servus TV	Austria	German
Bandsports	Brazil	Brazilian Portuguese
SRF	Switzerland	Swiss-German
RSI	Switzerland	Italian
RTS	Switzerland	French

Note: If you’re outside one of these countries, you can still access their free F1 streams by using a VPN. Just connect to a server in a region that offers free coverage – like Austria for ServusTV or Luxembourg for RTL – and you’ll be able to watch as if you were there.

How to watch Japan GP for free with VPN?

The Japanese Grand Prix is available for free on ServusTV, an Austrian TV channel and streaming platform. But it’s geo-restricted to Austria. However, you can unlock it with the help of a VPN. Here’s how to stream the race from anywhere:

1. Pick a VPN with Austrian servers. To access ServusTV outside Austria, you’ll need a VPN. NordVPN is a top choice thanks to its trustworthy Austrian server network and fast speeds, which are ideal for streaming.
2. Install the VPN app. Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device – whether it’s Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or a Smart TV. Setup usually takes just a couple of minutes.
3. Connect to an Austrian server. Open the VPN app, log in, and select a server based in Austria. Once connected, your internet traffic will appear as if it's coming from within the country.
4. Go to ServusTV. With your VPN connected to an Austrian server, open your browser and head to servustv.com.
5. Stream the Japanese Grand Prix live. Navigate to the sports section and find the Formula 1 coverage. You might be prompted to create a free account – it takes just a minute. Once you're in, you’ll be able to watch the Japanese GP live, completely free.

F1 TV Pro and VPN device compatibility guide

F1 TV Pro gives you access to live races, driver cams, and exclusive extras – but where you live can limit what you see. A VPN can unlock full access, but not all devices support VPNs the same way. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you stream F1 TV Pro on the device of your choice.

Device type	F1 TV Pro availability	Native VPN support	Best solution if unsupported
iOS (iPhone/iPad)	✅ Yes, native app (App Store)	✅ Yes	-
Android phones/Tablets	✅ Yes, native app (Google Play)	✅ Yes	-
Windows/Mac computers	✅ Yes, browser (Chrome)	✅ Yes	-
Fire TV/Stick	✅ Yes, native app (Amazon Store)	✅ Yes	-
Android TV	✅ Yes, native app	✅ Yes	-
Apple TV (4th gen+)	✅ Yes, native app	✅ Yes	-
Roku	✅ Yes, available on Roku Channel Store	❌ No	Smart DNS or router
Chromecast with Google TV	✅ Yes, Cast or Native App	✅ Yes	-
Standard Chromecast	✅ Yes, Casting Only	❌ No	-
PlayStation 4/5	❌ No app (Browser access uncertain)	❌ No	Router
Xbox One/Series X/S	❌ No	❌ No	Router
Samsung Smart TVs	❌ No native app (Casting Required)	❌ No	Smart DNS, router, HDMI
LG Smart TVs	❌ No native app (Casting required)	❌ No	Smart DNS, Router, HDMI

What to do if your device doesn’t support VPN apps

Some devices – like certain streaming gadgets, game consoles, and smart TVs – don’t allow you to install a VPN directly. But don’t worry, there are workarounds.

Devices without built-in VPN support:

• Streaming devices. Roku (all models), Standard Chromecast, Apple TV.
• Gaming consoles. PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S.
• Smart TVs. Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense (non-Android TV models).

Workaround options:

• VPN-enabled router. Configure a VPN on your router to cover all connected devices.
• Smart DNS. Change your device’s DNS settings (offered by many VPN services).
• Device connection. Use HDMI, casting, or mirroring from a VPN-enabled device.

With these methods, you can still enjoy full F1 TV Pro access – even on devices that don’t natively support VPNs.

Final thoughts

There’s something special about race day in Japan. Maybe it’s the legendary Suzuka circuit, the roaring fans, or the drama that always seems to unfold there. No matter why you’re tuning in, the good news is you don’t have to miss a second of it. Whether you’ve got a paid subscription or you're using a VPN to unlock a free stream, watching the Japanese Grand Prix is totally doable. So get your setup ready, because this one’s going to be worth it.