The Smart Fan’s Guide: How to Watch F1 for Free in Europe with PandaVPN

Sharon

2026.02.08

Articles & News

Formula 1 is one of the most thrilling sports in the world, but in many countries, the broadcast rights are hidden behind expensive paywalls. In Spain, for example, fans are often forced into costly subscriptions just to watch the lights go out on Sunday.

However, many public broadcasters in other European countries still offer high-quality F1 coverage for free. With PandaVPN, you can “virtually” travel to these countries and enjoy all the racing action without the premium price tag.

Table of Contents

The Best “Free F1” Server Locations Step-by-Step Guide to Streaming the RaceWhy PandaVPN is the Best Choice for F1 Fans

The Best “Free F1” Server Locations

To unlock free streams, you’ll need to connect to a server in a country where a public broadcaster holds the rights. Here are the top-performing server locations available in the PandaVPN app:

1. Belgium (Server: Brussels)

Broadcaster: RTBF
Why it’s great: RTBF is one of the most reliable free broadcasters for F1. They offer high-quality streams of every Qualifying session and Grand Prix.
PandaVPN Tip: Look for the Belgium-Brussels node. These servers offer excellent speeds, especially for French-speaking users.

2. Austria (Server: Vienna)

Broadcasters: ServusTV or ORF (They alternate throughout the season)
Why it’s great: Austria is home to the famous Red Bull Ring, and their national coverage is top-tier. Between ServusTV and ORF, every single race of the 2024/2025 season is available for free.
PandaVPN Tip: Use the Austria-Vienna servers. These are optimized for European traffic, ensuring minimal lag during those high-speed pit stops.

3. Switzerland (Server: Zurich)

Broadcasters: SRF (German), RTS (French), RSI (Italian)
Why it’s great: Switzerland offers incredible flexibility. Depending on your language preference, you can choose from three different commentary teams.
PandaVPN Tip: Connect to Switzerland-Zurich for the most stable connection. Swiss servers are known for their excellent privacy protection and high-bandwidth 10Gbps backbones.

Step-by-Step Guide to Streaming the Race

1. Launch PandaVPN: Open the app on your device (whether it’s a phone, PC, or Android TV).
2. Select a Specific Node: Based on the list above, search for “Belgium,” “Austria,” or “Switzerland.”
3. Choose “Global Mode”: Ensure your VPN is set to Global Mode, so the streaming website immediately sees your new IP address.
4. Visit the Website: Go to the broadcaster’s website (e.g., rtbf.be/auvio or servustv.com).
5. Start the Stream: You might need to create a free account (use a local postal code if prompted), then sit back and enjoy the race!

Why PandaVPN is the Best Choice for F1 Fans

Zero Buffering: F1 races at speeds of 200mph—your internet should be just as fast. Our 10Gbps servers ensure you don’t miss a single overtake due to lag.
Total Privacy: In countries like Spain, where authorities are cracking down on “unofficial” streams, PandaVPN’s ECC encryption keeps your online activity invisible to ISPs and “Piracy Shields.”
Multi-Device Access: Watch the race on your big-screen TV using the PandaVPN Android TV app, while checking live timing on your phone—all with a single account.

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