Fans looking to catch the F1 US Grand Prix in Austin can utilize specific streaming workarounds to avoid high subscription costs. While US viewers might rely on Apple TV trials , international options like Belgium's RTBF Auvio offer a different path for enthusiasts.
The seven-day Apple TV trial for US viewers
As reported by Gizmodo, viewers in the United States can access certain portions of the race weekend through the Apple TV app. While practice sessions are available for free to anyone with an Apple Account, the qualifying sessions and the main race require a paid subscription. However, new users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to witness the full event before being charged the approximately $15 monthly fee.
This Apple TV subscription also provides access to F1 TV Premium, which includes specialized features like live timing and onboard cameras. It is important to note that the app may trigger a region error if accessed while traveling outside the US; in such cases, users may need to use a VPN to maintain access. the report notes that Apple remains the exclusive US broadcaster for this season's coverage.
Accessing RTBF Auvio's free Belgian stream via NordVPN
For those seeking a completely free viewing experience, the Belgian broadcaster RTBF Auvio offers every session of the Grand Prix without a subscription. According to the Gizmodo report, international fans can access this service by using NordVPN to connect to a Belgian server, effectively obtaining a Belgian IP address. If the platform requests a postal code, users can utilize an online Belgian ZIP code generator to proceed.
While the audio commentary on RTBF Auvio is provided in French, the visual experience remains accessible to English speakers. The official world feed provides the on-screen graphics, meaning that lap times, driver positions, and penalties will still appear in English. This method serves as a robust alternative once any initial Apple TV trials have expired.
An extra Saturday morning practice session in Austin
The race weekend in Austin follows a specific logistical format that brings the sport back to American time zones after a recent stretch of races in Asia. Unlike some recent Grand Prix schedules, the Austin event will not feature a sprint race. Instead, the weekend includes an addiitonal practice session on Saturday morning to prepare drivers before qualifying begins.
This schedule adjustment ensures that fans can follow the progression of the cars on the classic Austin layout without the mid-weekend sprint interruption. The shift in timing also means that the race will be more accessible to North American audiences during standard viewing hours.
The 125-point gap required for Andrea Antonelli's record
Beyond the streaming logistics, the weekend carries massive implications for 20-year-old driver Andrea Antonelli. If Antonelli can secure a dominant performance, he could potentially break Sebastian Vettel's recorrd as the youngest F1 champion by more than three years. Such a feat would also make him the first Italian world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
However, the mathematical path to this achievement is narrow and remains a subject of intense speculation. To secure his lead, Antonelli must leave the US Grand Prix with at least a 125-point advantage. This outcome is contingent on highly specific race results, such as those seen in Singapore where Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc took the top spots. While the potential for a historic title is high, it remains to be seen if Antonelli can maintain the necessary momentum heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1.
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