Indian Formula 1 fans have been able to watch F1 races live on Star Sports for years and even on the Hotstar app in recent years. However, 2023 is set to see a major overhaul of the system, with Star (and Disney+ Hotstar) choosing not to renew F1’s broadcast and streaming rights in India due to differences in valuations for the asset. This means that F1 fans in India now have only one official option to watch live F1 races – subscribing to the Pro version of the F1 TV app.
While the F1 TV app has been around for a while and provides access to F1 races and other content globally, the subscription service was only recently launched in India. The F1 TV Pro subscription service was launched in India in February with prices starting at Rs 100. It costs Rs 2,999 for a year, but can be purchased now for just Rs 2,999. 2,499 per annum or Rs. 299 per month.
This is much more expensive than Disney+ Hotstar, which is priced at Rs. The Premium plan is $1,499 per year and offers much more content than F1. Therefore, F1 TV Pro subscription is undoubtedly an expensive service for Indian F1 fans. However, the app promises more than just live streaming of F1 races in terms of functionality and content. Here’s everything you need to know about the F1 TV app and F1 TV Pro subscription.
F1 TV Pro and Access subscription plans
As mentioned earlier, F1 TV Pro subscription is currently priced at Rs. 2,499 per annum, or Rs. India $299 per month. Of course, the annual plan offers better value for fans, who can watch the entire 2023 F1 season for a single price. While prices appear differently on some platforms, I found prices on both iOS and Android to be reflected in Indian rupees, so you may need to use a smartphone to sign up for the subscription.
A ‘Pro’ subscription gives you live access to all sessions of F1 races, including practice and qualifying, as well as live onboard cameras and team broadcasts for all 20 drivers in each race. You can also live stream support series races from F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup, which take place alongside F1 on selected race weekends.
Additionally, you can view race replays and highlights from F1 and supporting series, as well as watch shows, documentaries and archives. Real-time timing and data are also provided, along with real-time telemetry, driver mapping and tire usage history.
In addition to the Pro subscription, a more affordable ‘Access’ subscription is also available, priced at Rs. Rs 1,629 per annum. 239 per month. This plan does not allow you to live stream F1 races and support series, and only offers limited content such as replays, documentaries and archives, as well as live race times and data. Given the lack of alternatives for live streaming matches, I wouldn’t recommend this plan at all; it’s worth spending a little extra for a “Pro” subscription.
F1 TV: Supported platforms
The F1 TV app is available on a number of different platforms, including smartphones and tablets, as well as smart TVs, streaming devices and web browsers. The app is available for iOS and tvOS through the App Store, Android and Android TV devices through the Google Play Store, and the Amazon App Store for Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast platforms. The app itself is free to download, but requires a paid subscription to access most features and content.
Once you subscribe, you can log in and access your subscription content from all the devices you use to log in to your account. F1 TV stipulates that the live stream can only be accessed on one device at a time, but the app itself can be accessed on up to six devices simultaneously, allowing you to view time and data while live streaming. However, I have been able to access the live stream on multiple devices at the same time, so it is possible that users can now exploit this “vulnerability”.
F1 TV: Streaming features and content
The main attraction of F1 TV is live coverage of Formula 1 races, including practice and qualifying on race weekends, as well as pre- and post-race programming. All games this season can be watched on the service. Viewers can also watch press conferences and grid shows produced and presented by F1 via the F1 TV app.
In addition, any supporting race series taking place alongside an F1 race on a given weekend can also be watched live on the F1 TV app with a Pro subscription. Notably, this includes winning the Formula 2 Championship, F1’s main supporting series. The 2023 Formula 2 season will feature two Indian drivers – Jehan Daruvala racing for 2022 F2 constructors’ champion MP Motorsport, while Kush Maini will race in the rookie F2 season for Campos Racing. This may pique the interest of Indian racing fans.
F1 TV has its own team of presenters, including long-time F1 analysts Will Buxton, Laura Winter, Lawrence Baretto and Rosanna Tennant. Fans of Formula 1: Drive to Survive will immediately recognize Buxton, who plays a major role in the show.
The commentary team consists of Alex Jacques, former F1 drivers Jolyon Palmer, James Hinchcliffe and former driver David Coulthard. Importantly, fans can toggle coverage and commentary of Formula 1 races through the app itself and choose to tune in to Sky Sports F1’s international coverage, led by David Croft and Martin Brundle. For those who have watched F1 before on Star Sports or Hotstar, this will feel more familiar.
A great addition is the ability to switch to data and telemetry, including each driver’s tire usage, an interactive map showing each driver’s position on the track, and individual helmet or car cameras for the 20 drivers in each race. The latter view also provides unfiltered access to the driver’s radio, allowing viewers to listen to live conversations between F1 drivers and race engineers on the pit wall. Usefully, you can use a multi-device setup so that some of these screens and views run simultaneously with the regular broadcast for a more immersive and interactive viewing experience.
