F1 TV app and Pro subscription in India: Everything you need to know

Formula 1 fans in India have been able to watch F1 races live on Star Sports for many years, and even stream them on the Hotstar app in recent years. However, 2023 brings a significant change to the system, with Star (and Disney+Hotstar) opting not to renew the broadcast and streaming rights of F1 in India following an alleged valuation difference of the property. This means that F1 fans in India now have only one official option to watch F1 races live – the F1 TV app with Pro subscription.

Although the F1 TV app has been around for a while, and has provided global access to F1 races and other content, the subscription service was not made available in India until recently. F1 TV Pro subscription was launched in India in February at a starting price of Rs. 2,999 for one year, though it is now available for Rs. 2,499 per year or Rs. 299 per month.

This is significantly more expensive than Disney+ Hotstar, which costs Rs. 1,499 per year for the premium plan and offers a lot more content than just F1. Hence, F1 TV Pro subscription is undoubtedly an expensive offering for Indian F1 fans. However, the app promises a lot in terms of features and content beyond live streaming of F1 races. Here’s everything you need to know about the F1 TV app and F1 TV Pro subscription.

F1 TV Pro & Access subscription plans

As mentioned, the F1 TV Pro subscription currently costs Rs. 2,499 per year, or Rs. 299 per month, in India. Naturally, the annual plan offers better value for fans, who will get access to the entire 2023 season of F1 for a single price. While the price is displayed differently on some platforms, I found that on both iOS and Android the prices are displayed in Indian Rupees, so you may want to use your smartphone to sign up for the subscription.

The ‘Pro’ subscription gives access to live streams of all sessions of F1 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, along with live on-board cameras and team radio for all twenty drivers in each race. You can also stream support series races live from F2, F3, and the Porsche Supercup, which take place alongside F1 on select race weekends.

In addition, you can also watch race replays and highlights for F1 and support series, and watch shows, documentaries and archives. Real-time telemetry, driver maps and tire usage history are also available as well as live times and data.

Apart from the Pro subscription, there is also a more affordable ‘Access’ subscription on offer, which costs Rs. 1,629 per annum, or Rs. 239 per month. This plan doesn’t let you live stream F1 and Support Series races, offering live race timing and data, along with limited content such as replays, documentaries and archives. Given the lack of options to live stream races, I wouldn’t recommend this plan at all; It’s worth spending a little more and getting the ‘Pro’ membership.

F1 TV: Platforms Supported

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 through the App Store for iOS and tvOS, Google Play Store for Android and Android TV devices, Amazon App Store for Fire TV, Roku and Chromecast platforms. The app itself is free to download, but a paid subscription is required to access most features and content.

Once you have subscribed, you can log in and access the subscription from all your devices where you have logged in your account. F1 TV states that the live stream can only be accessed on one device at a time, although the app itself may also. You can access up to six devices simultaneously to view the live stream as well as time and data. However, I’ve been able to access the live stream on multiple devices at once, so users may be able to take advantage of this ‘hole’ right now.

F1 TV: Streaming features and content

The main draw of F1 TV is the live streaming of Formula 1 races, including practice and qualifying sessions throughout the race weekend, as well as pre-race and post-race shows. All races of the season will be available for viewing on the Service. Viewers will also be able to listen to the press conference and grid walk produced and presented by F1 for the F1 TV app.

In addition, any support series races that take place alongside the F1 races on the particular weekend will also be available to watch live on the F1 TV app with a Pro subscription. Specifically, this includes access to the Formula 2 Championship, the main support series for F1. For the 2023 Formula 2 season, there are two Indian drivers on the grid – Jehan Daruvala driving for 2022 F2 Constructor’s champion MP Motorsport while Kush Manny is competing in his rookie season in F2 for Campos Racing. This should pique the interest of Indian motorsports fans.

F1 TV has its own team of presenters, notably including Laura Winter, Lawrence Barreto and Rosanna Tennant, as well as long-time F1 analyst Will Buxton. Fans of Formula 1: Drive to Survive will immediately recognize Buxton, who has featured prominently on the show.

The commentary team includes expert contributions from Alex Jacques, former F1 driver Julian Palmer, James Hinchcliffe and former driver David Coulthard. Importantly, fans can change coverage and commentary for Formula 1 races through the app and choose to tune in to Sky Sports F1’s international coverage, led by David Croft and Martin Brundle. For those who previously watched F1 on Star Sports or Hotstar, this will feel a lot more familiar.

A big added feature is the ability to switch on data and telemetry, including tire usage per driver, interactive maps with each driver’s position on the circuit, and individual helmet or car cameras for each of the 20 drivers in each race. . The latter view also provides unfiltered access to driver radios, allowing viewers to follow live conversations between F1 drivers and their race engineers at the pit wall. Usefully, you can use a multi-device setup to be able to play some of these screens and scenes side-by-side with regular broadcasts for a more immersive and interactive viewing experience.