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

Formula 1 fans in India have, for many years now, been able to watch F1 races live on Star Sports, and even stream them on the Hotstar app in recent years. However, 2023 brings a significant shake-up to this system, with Star (and Disney+ Hotstar) choosing not to renew broadcast and streaming rights for F1 in India, following a perceived difference in ownership valuation. This means that F1 fans in India now have only one official option to watch F1 races live – the F1 TV app with the 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 available in India until recently. The F1 TV Pro subscription was launched in India in February at a starting price of Rs. 2,999 for one year, although it is now available for Rs. 2,499 per year or Rs. 299 per month.

That’s considerably more expensive than Disney+ Hotstar, which is priced at Rs. 1,499 per year for the Premium plan and offers way more content than F1. So, F1 TV Pro subscription is undoubtedly an expensive deal for Indian F1 fans. However, the app promises much more in terms of features and content beyond just streaming F1 races live. Here’s everything you need to know about the F1 TV app and the F1 TV Pro subscription.

F1 TV Pro and Access Subscription Plans

As mentioned, the F1 TV Pro subscription is currently priced at Rs. 2,499 per year, or Rs. 299 per month, in India. Naturally, the annual plan offers better value for fans, who will have access to the entire 2023 F1 season at one price. Although the price appears differently on some platforms, I found that the prices reflected in Indian Rupees on iOS and Android, so you can use your smartphone to sign up for the subscription.

The “Pro” subscription gives access to live streaming of all F1 racing sessions, including practice and qualifying sessions, as well as live on-board cameras and team radio for the twenty pilots of each race. You can also live stream races from support series from F2, F3 and the Porsche Supercup, which run alongside F1 on certain race weekends.

Plus, you can also catch race replays and highlights from F1 and supporting series, and watch shows, documentaries and archives. Schedules and live data are also available, along with real-time telemetry, driver maps and tire usage history.

Apart from the Pro subscription, there is also a more affordable “Access” subscription, priced at Rs. 1,629 per year, or Rs. 239 per month. This plan does not allow you to stream F1 live and support serial racing, offering limited content such as replays, documentaries and archives, as well as live race schedules and data. Given the lack of alternatives to live racing, I wouldn’t recommend this plan at all; it’s worth spending a bit more and getting the “Pro” subscription.

F1 TV: Supported Platforms

The F1 TV app is available on many 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, Amazon’s 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 subscribed, you can log in and access the subscription from all your devices where your account is logged in. F1 TV says the live stream can only be accessed on one device at a time, although the app itself can be accessed on up to six devices simultaneously to allow you to view schedules and data with the live stream. However, I was able to access the live stream on multiple devices simultaneously, so users could take advantage of this “loophole” for the time being.

F1 TV: Features and streaming content

The main attraction of F1 TV is the live broadcast of Formula 1 races, including practice and qualifying sessions throughout the race weekends, as well as pre- and post-race broadcasts . All the races of the season can be viewed on the service. Viewers will also be able to tune in to press conferences and marching grids produced and presented by F1 for the F1 TV app.

Additionally, all Support Series races running alongside F1 races on certain weekends will also be available to watch live on the F1 TV app with the Pro subscription. This notably includes access to the Formula 2 championship, F1’s main support series. For the 2023 Formula 2 season, there are two Indian drivers on the grid – Jehan Daruvala driving for 2022 F2 constructor champion MP Motorsport, while Kush Maini is racing his rookie season in F2 for Campos Racing. This should probably pique the interest of Indian motorsport fans.

F1 TV has its own team of presenters, including longtime F1 analyst Will Buxton, as well as Laura Winter, Lawrence Baretto and Rosanna Tennant. Formula 1: Drive to Survive fans will immediately recognize Buxton, who has appeared prominently in the series.

The commentary team includes Alex Jacques, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, James Hinchcliffe and expert contributions from former driver David Coulthard. Crucially, fans can change Formula 1 racing coverage and commentary via 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 on Star Sports or Hotstar before, this will feel a lot more familiar.

A great additional feature is the ability to switch to data and telemetry, including tire usage per driver, interactive maps with each driver’s position on the track, and individual helmet or car cameras for each of the 20 drivers from each race. These latest views also provide unfiltered access to the driver’s radio, allowing viewers to tune in to live conversations between F1 drivers and their race engineers on the pit wall. Helpfully, you can use a multi-device setup to be able to run some of these screens and views simultaneously alongside regular streaming for a more immersive and interactive viewing experience.