How to watch F1 for free if you’ve lost ESPN, ABC on YouTube TV

YouTube TV’s carriage dispute with Disney has removed ESPN and ABC from the video platform just before Formula 1 heads to Brazil for the São Paulo Grand Prix. The race coverage starts Sunday 9 November, 11:55am ET on ESPN2. If you’ve lost access on YouTube TV, these are the legal ways you can still catch the race.

Why is this an issue?

Disney’s networks, including ESPN and ABC, are currently unavailable on YouTube TV thanks to renewal talks that have stalled. With both sides looking for a renewal, no firm date has been announced. This is how you get around that in the interim.

Use a free trial from another live TV app that carries ESPN2

Fubo: Offers ESPN2 and advertises a free trial; sign up, watch the race, and cancel if you don’t want to continue. Check your ZIP code for local channel variations.
Sling TV (Orange) – Includes ESPN/ESPN2; periodic intro offers and day-pass style promos can make a single race weekend inexpensive.
Hulu + Live TV – Carries ESPN networks in its Live TV lineup (month-to-month). Free trials vary.
DIRECTV (streaming) – Packages list ESPN/ESPN2; some plans have promotional trials.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Subscribe directly to ESPN’s streaming app

ESPN’s direct-to-customer service was launched in August 2025. It offers several plans, such as ESPN Unlimited. These stream ESPN’s linear channels inside the ESPN app without having to pay for cable. Make sure the plan carries ESPN2, and you’re laughing your way to the podium.

Watch through F1’s own platform, F1TV

F1TV Pro streams every session with live onboards, timing and replays. Plus, it works on a number of devices, including most web browsers, Apple TV, Google/Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku.

This weekend’s Brazil Grand Prix can’t be aired on ABC, but a number of future F1 races can be. An indoor antenna can pull ABC over the air for free, or you can use live TV apps that include ABC.