The Growing Fever of Formula 1 in India
Formula 1 has seen a massive surge in popularity across India over the last few years. What used to be a niche sport followed by a dedicated few has now transformed into a weekend ritual for millions. Whether it is the tactical genius of Max Verstappen, the resilience of Lewis Hamilton, or the rising stars like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Indian fans are more invested than ever. However, for a long time, the biggest hurdle for Indian fans was simply figuring out where and how to watch the races legally and in high definition.
Gone are the days when you could simply tune into a standard sports channel on your cable TV and expect the race to be there. The broadcasting landscape for F1 in India has shifted significantly. If you are looking to catch every practice session, qualifying round, and the main Grand Prix, you need to know the right platforms. This guide will walk you through every possible way to watch Formula 1 in India, comparing prices, features, and viewing experiences so you never miss a single lights-out moment.
The Current Broadcasting Landscape in India
For several seasons, Indian viewers relied on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar for their F1 fix. However, that partnership ended, leaving a vacuum that was initially filled by F1’s own direct-to-consumer service. In 2024, the situation has stabilized with two primary legal ways to watch the sport: FanCode and F1 TV Pro. Both offer distinct advantages depending on whether you are a casual viewer or a hardcore technical enthusiast.
Option 1: FanCode - The Affordable Choice
FanCode has emerged as a major player in the Indian sports streaming market by acquiring the exclusive broadcast rights for Formula 1 in India for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This is currently the most accessible way for the average Indian viewer to watch the sport.
One of the biggest strengths of FanCode is its flexible pricing. Unlike many other platforms that force you into an expensive annual commitment, FanCode offers various passes. You can purchase a 'Race Pass' for a single Grand Prix weekend, which is perfect if you only want to see iconic races like Monaco or Silverstone. Alternatively, they offer a 'Season Pass' which covers every single race on the calendar at a very competitive price point, often ranging between 599 to 999 INR depending on the time of purchase and available discounts.
FanCode provides a stable streaming experience with support for multiple languages in some contexts, although F1 coverage typically uses the international English feed. The platform is accessible via Android and iOS apps, as well as through their website and Smart TV apps like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, and Samsung TV.
Option 2: F1 TV Pro - The Ultimate Fan Experience
For those who want more than just the main broadcast, F1 TV Pro is the gold standard. This is the official over-the-top (OTT) service provided by Formula 1 itself. While it is more expensive than FanCode, the level of detail it provides is unparalleled.
With F1 TV Pro, you don't just watch the race; you control how you watch it. You get access to all 20 onboard cameras, meaning you can sit in the cockpit with your favorite driver for the entire race. You also get access to the Pit Lane Channel, which provides a multi-screen view with expert analysis and deep-dive data. Furthermore, F1 TV Pro includes real-time telemetry, allowing you to see tire compounds, speed, gear changes, and interval gaps in real-time.
Another massive benefit of F1 TV Pro is the archive. Subscribers get access to thousands of hours of historical footage, including full race replays from previous decades and exclusive documentaries. The pricing in India for F1 TV Pro usually sits around 2499 to 2999 INR for an annual subscription. It is available on almost all major platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices, and streaming sticks like Roku and Apple TV.
Comparing FanCode vs F1 TV Pro: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between these two services depends on your level of interest and your budget. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Pricing: FanCode is significantly cheaper and offers more flexible short-term options. F1 TV Pro is a premium investment.
- Features: FanCode offers the standard world feed. F1 TV Pro offers onboard cameras, team radio, and live telemetry.
- Historical Content: FanCode is strictly for live races and recent highlights. F1 TV Pro features a massive archive of past seasons.
- Accessibility: Both work well on Indian internet connections, but F1 TV Pro requires slightly more bandwidth for its multi-stream features.
If you are a casual fan who just wants to see who wins on Sunday, FanCode is more than enough. However, if you enjoy the technical side of the sport—listening to team strategies over the radio and watching the data—F1 TV Pro is worth every penny.
Technical Requirements for a Smooth Viewing Experience
Formula 1 is a fast-moving sport, and nothing ruins the experience like a lagging stream or a pixelated screen. To enjoy the race in Full HD (1080p) or 4K where available, you need a stable internet connection. Most streaming experts recommend a minimum speed of 10 Mbps for a consistent HD experience. If you are using F1 TV Pro’s multi-view features on a desktop, you might want 25 Mbps or higher to handle multiple video streams simultaneously.
In India, most broadband providers like JioFiber or Airtel Xstream provide more than enough speed for these services. If you are watching on mobile data, ensure you have a strong 4G or 5G signal, as the high-bitrate video used for sports can consume several gigabytes of data per race.
Managing Time Zones in India
One of the biggest challenges for Indian fans is the timing of the races. Since F1 is a global sport, race times vary wildly. Most European races (like those in Spain, Italy, or Belgium) usually start at 6:30 PM IST on Sundays, which is quite convenient. However, the American races (Austin, Miami, Las Vegas) often take place late at night or very early in the morning, sometimes around 12:30 AM or even 5:30 AM IST.
To stay on top of this, it is highly recommended to sync the F1 calendar with your phone. Both FanCode and F1 TV Pro display the race times in local Indian Standard Time, so you don't have to do the mental math every weekend.
The Value of Secondary Screens
Many hardcore fans in India use a 'second-screen' approach. They might watch the main broadcast on their big-screen TV via FanCode or F1 TV Pro while keeping a tablet or smartphone open with the official F1 App. The free version of the F1 App provides live timing, lap charts, and text commentary. This setup allows you to keep track of the wider race picture even when the TV cameras are focused on a specific battle in the midfield.
Watching F1 for Free: Is it Possible?
While there are no legal ways to watch the full live races for free in India, you can still stay updated without a subscription. The official Formula 1 YouTube channel is one of the best in the sporting world. They upload comprehensive 7-to-10-minute highlights of every practice, qualifying, and race session within an hour of the event ending. They also provide post-race analysis and 'Best of Team Radio' segments which are completely free to watch.
Conclusion: Gear Up for the Season
Watching Formula 1 in India has never been easier than it is in 2024. Whether you choose the cost-effective and straightforward path of FanCode or the deep-dive, immersive experience of F1 TV Pro, you are guaranteed high-quality coverage of one of the most exciting eras in motorsport history. With the grid closer than ever and the development race heating up between teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari, now is the perfect time to secure your subscription and get ready for the next Grand Prix. Set your reminders, check your internet speed, and prepare for another season of high-speed drama.
Is Formula 1 available on Disney+ Hotstar in India?
No, Formula 1 is no longer broadcast on Disney+ Hotstar or Star Sports channels in India. The rights have moved to FanCode and F1 TV Pro.
Can I watch F1 on my TV using FanCode?
Yes, FanCode has dedicated apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and other smart TV platforms, allowing you to watch the races on a large screen.
How much does F1 TV Pro cost in India?
F1 TV Pro typically costs around 2,499 to 2,999 INR for an annual subscription in India, though prices may vary slightly based on seasonal promotions.
Does FanCode offer commentary during the race?
Yes, FanCode uses the official international English commentary feed, which is the same one used by Sky Sports in the UK, featuring experts like David Croft and Martin Brundle.
Can I watch full race replays if I miss the live broadcast?
Yes, both FanCode and F1 TV Pro offer on-demand replays of the full race, qualifying, and practice sessions shortly after the live event concludes.
