The Best VPNs for Watching Formula 1 2025

A VPN lets you catch F1 races from almost anywhere in the world.
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Best Overall

5.0
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
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Best for Speed

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On ExpressVPN's website

ExpressVPN
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Best for Unlimited Devices

4.8
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
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NordVPN is our top pick for streaming Formula 1 due to its reliable streaming performance, solid speeds, and dedication to security.

To round our our top three, we also recommend ExpressVPN and Surfshark. If speed is your priority, ExpressVPN had the second-best speed test score out of the dozens VPNs we've tested. We also love Surfshark because it can cover all your devices for a budget-friendly price, starting at $2.19/mo (billed every two years). 

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 72% Off + Up to 1 Year Free
  • #1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

In this article
The best VPNs for watching Formula 1
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
How to watch F1 races with a VPN
FAQs
Bottom line

The best VPNs for watching Formula 1

Top 3 VPN services for watching Formula 1 compared

VPN
Star rating
5.0
4.8
4.8
Starting price Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years)
F1 streaming support Yes — F1TV PR Yes — F1TV PR Yes — F1TV PR
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

How we test and rate VPNs

We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.

Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.

NordVPN: Best overall

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 72% Off + Up to 1 Year Free
  • #1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

Who it’s best for

There’s so much to like about NordVPN. NordVPN can consistently unblock streaming services, provide fast speeds, and secure your privacy while browsing online. 

Beyond your standard features, NordVPN includes bonuses like Onion over VPN, which allows you to pair Nord with the Tor browser, and Meshnet, which allows you to create your own local area network (LAN).

In addition to all the unique features, you can also bundle your VPN with Threat Protection Pro (ad and tracker blocker), NordPass (the Nord brand password manager) and NordLocker (for encrypted cloud storage). If you’re juggling multiple free trials to watch F1, Nord’s tools can help you keep track of all that.

What we liked

Streaming: NordVPN is a titan when it comes to streaming. It's unblocked Netflix in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia during every round of testing we've conducted. Netflix in particular is a stickler for VPN usage, so we take these results as a good sign that you'll be able to watch F1 without hiccups. 

Speed test results with NordVPN in the foreground (connected to Australia)

Nord provides guides on how to stream Hulu, DAZN, and YouTube TV, all of which provide access to F1 races. 

Speed: After several rounds of testing, NordVPN has proven to be one our most reliable VPNs for speed. While connected to a U.S. server, NordVPN increased our download speed by 3.0%. 

It also has 7,400+ servers, among the largest server counts we've seen, guaranteeing that you have lots of options if you need a server with better performance.

NordVPN dashboard open on VPN tab

Security: NordVPN keeps no logs of your internet activity while you use the service. To verify this claim, Nord has successfully passed four independent audits and openly publishes the results on its site to remain transparent with its users. Plus, Nord is based in Panama, which has no data retention laws.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN removed Netflix from its support options. We get it: Netflix is cracking down on VPN usage, and we’re not sure how dicey it’ll get between the streaming giant and VPN companies. It doesn’t mean we’re thrilled.

You can still watch Netflix with NordVPN, and so far we haven’t had any issues streaming. The problem is that, if Netflix does block NordVPN in the future, there isn’t a direct place where you can troubleshoot the connection.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.39–$17.99/mo
Money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers 7,400+ servers in 118 countries
Number of connected devices 10
VPN protocol OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN: Best for speed

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go
4.8
Editorial Rating
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On ExpressVPN's website
VPN
ExpressVPN
SPECIAL DEAL: 2 Years + 4 Months Free
  • Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
  • Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
  • Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

Who it’s best for

If you're worried about speed drops while using a VPN, then ExpressVPN may be your best bet. During our multiple rounds of testing, ExpressVPN has either maintained or increased our internet speeds while the VPN was enabled. 

In addition, ExpressVPN lists options for multiple streaming services for entertainment and sports, as well as international streaming, social media, messaging apps and editing tools, and even games and music. It offers a lot of streaming variety for everyone’s tastes.

What we liked

Speed: Out of the 54 VPNs we've tested, ExpressVPN is currently in second place for the best speed score. The biggest drop in our download speed was by only 6% for a server in Australia, which is halfway across the world from us. 

Speed test results for ExpressVPN while connected to a server in Sydney, Australia.

Considering these speed test results have remained consistently impressive over the years, you won't have to worry about your streams lagging with ExpressVPN. 

Streaming: We were surprised at how many sports streaming options ExpressVPN supports. VPNs that offer excellent streaming options typically support ESPN, but ExpressVPN also offers coverage for beIN Sports, Sling, DirecTV, Sky Go, Fubo, and more. 

With Formula 1 streaming on ESPN, Hulu, F1 TV Pro, and other services available worldwide, ExpressVPN will be your most reliable VPN for streaming access. 

Security: ExpressVPN values security enough to create its own proprietary features. Lightway is a protocol that ExpressVPN built itself for its own use. It also recently improved Lightway, with new focus on greater security and efficient performance. 

ExpressVPN protocol options tab

What we didn’t like

ExpressVPN is powerful and feature-rich, and it offers support for a variety of streaming platforms, but that all comes at a higher cost than many of its competitors. It has improved on its pricing though, now offering a two-year plan for $4.99/mo (billed every two years), but this its still double the starting price of Surfshark.

We weren’t thrilled with the fact that you have to purchase a separate subscription to use ExpressVPN on the Aircove. With the price of the router, we were hoping it would at least include a month or two of ExpressVPN at no cost, but it does not. 

If you don’t keep your ExpressVPN subscription, you can still use Aircove as a normal router, but we wish it would come with some sort of price break for the service.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range $4.99–$12.95/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Number of servers Unlisted in 105 countries
Number of connected devices 8
VPN protocol Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices

Fast & Unlimited Protection for All Your Devices
4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
VPN
Surfshark
Save up to 86% + 3 extra months
  • Rare perk: Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 3,200+ servers fast and reliable servers worldwide
  • Block ads and malware

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is one of our favorite VPNs if you're seeking the most value from one subscription. It allows for unlimited device connections, which is a rare perk among premium VPNs. 

Surfshark's starting price is usually under $2.00 for a two-year plan, so you'll be able to cover your entire household. If you opt for any of the Surfshark One tiers, you'll also get extras like antivirus protection, alternative IDs, data removal, and more. 

What we liked

Unlimited devices: We love that Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means your entire family can be covered on every device. With extensive Surfshark's compability for Windows, macOS, smartphones, routers, smart TVs, and more, this subscription goes a long way. 

Privacy: Surfshark can rotate your IP address to keep any VPN detectors off your trail. The Rotating IP feature will change your IP address every five to 10 minutes so you won't be caught with a static IP. 

A screenshot of the Surfshark VPN Rotating IP feature, which changes a user's IP address every 5-10 minutes.

Another setting for privacy is NoBorders mode. By toggling on this feature, Surfshark will give you a list of servers that can best bypass geo-blocking and government censorship. 

Extras: The Surfshark One+ tier has antivirus, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The service can help protect you from fraud and identity theft, as well as reduce the spam you get from trackers and ads around the internet. 

Surfshark Antivirus quick scan pop-up indicated the files scanned and scan time.
Surfshark Antivirus quick scan 

Whether you’re watching the races or betting on them as well, this level of security will ensure your devices and identity stay protected.

What we didn’t like

Surfshark moved its original headquarters from the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-safe space, to the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes country. The Eyes Alliances are known for spying on citizens, so privacy aficionados aren’t thrilled with security software headquartered in those locations.

Surfshark specs

Price range $2.19–$20.65/mo
Money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Number of servers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Number of connected devices Unlimited
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

How to watch F1 races with a VPN

Each VPN will have different specifics for using the services offered, but to watch Formula 1 racing, you can follow a general set of guidelines. Your first step is to sign up for and download a VPN of your choice.

  1. First, make sure your streaming apps are all closed. If you’re watching on a computer, close your browser. You could even restart your computer to clear everything out.
  2. Next, open your VPN and choose a server in the country with geo-access: the U.S., Sweden, the Netherlands, or New Zealand.
  3. Once you have a connection, open your browser in incognito mode or private browsing, or launch the app from your TV or mobile device.
  4. Finally, all you’ll need to do is find the race and enjoy!

FAQs

How can I watch an F1 race live?

To watch an F1 race live, you’ll need to connect to a VPN service with servers in the country where the sport is licensed for viewing. The U.S., Sweden, the Netherlands, and New Zealand are all good options. 

After that, open a private browser or launch your streaming app and watch the race.

Can I watch F1 with a VPN?

Yes, if you have a strong enough VPN with obfuscated servers, you’ll be able to watch F1 from anywhere in the world. You need a quality VPN to bypass content geo-restrictions and blockers put in place by streaming services. 

Free or low quality VPNs usually can’t achieve the level of obfuscation needed to bypass these restrictions.

What is the best Formula 1 streaming service?

There are several good streaming services for watching Formula 1: Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Fubo, DIRECTV Stream, and F1 TV. 

Is it possible to watch F1 TV Pro with a free VPN?

It may be possible to watch F1 TV Pro with a free VPN, but we don’t recommend using one. Free VPNs have a tendency to either not be strong enough to bypass restrictions or they can leak WebRTC and other sensitive information.

You may also run into data cap issues with free VPNs, which means it could cut you off mid-race. Proton VPN doesn’t have any data caps and tends to be pretty safe. This may be the only free VPN option that would be safe enough to watch F1.

Be careful, however, if you’re trying to use a free VPN in a country where it's illegal. VPNs are legal in most countries, but you should always check to avoid any kind of potential trouble with local law enforcement.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for watching Formula 1

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are three of the best VPNs for keeping up with Formula 1 racing, no matter where you are in the world.

NordVPN is the best overall, providing solid speeds and streaming performance. ExpressVPN is fast and secure while also supporting a large variety of streaming services. Finally, Surfshark covers unlimited devices for an affordable price. 

3 best VPNs for watching Formula 1 2025

Starting price Best for Learn more
Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) Best overall Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) Best for speed Get ExpressVPN

Read ExpressVPN Review

Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) Best for unlimited devices Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 72% Off + Up to 1 Year Free
  • #1 rated VPN with over 7,000 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 118 countries
  • Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
  • Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more

Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.