Formula 1 Returns to Spielberg for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix
Formula 1 fans are gearing up for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, set to take place from June 26th to June 28th. The iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg will host the thrilling weekend of racing, with the main event scheduled for Sunday at 2pm BST / 9am ET. The championship is heating up, with intense rivalries and competitive performances expected throughout the season.
Championship Battle Intensifies
The 2026 season is proving to be a captivating one. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, is demonstrating formidable form, applying significant pressure on the Mercedes duo of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remarked on Hamilton’s aggressive driving style, stating, “If he smells blood, he goes.” Hamilton’s recent performance in Barcelona, particularly his second stint on medium tires, was described as outstanding. However, Mercedes faced strategic challenges and an on-track incident between their drivers, compounded by a power unit battery failure for Antonelli.
Despite the setback, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli still holds a commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship, currently 41 points ahead. Lando Norris also secured a podium finish in Barcelona after a solid drive, though McLaren’s performance is reportedly hampered by reliability concerns and excessive tire wear. If these issues are resolved, McLaren could emerge as a stronger contender at the front, further intensifying the competition.
Max Verstappen remains a significant threat, especially at the Red Bull Ring, a track where he has achieved four victories. Red Bull has shown steady progress throughout the season. Verstappen experienced an unfortunate qualifying in Monaco but recovered to finish fourth in Barcelona. He will be aiming to build on this momentum and secure his first podium of the 2026 season.
2026 Austrian Grand Prix Schedule
Here is the full schedule for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix weekend:
Friday, June 26
- Practice 1: 12:30pm BST / 7:30am ET
- Practice 2: 4:00pm BST / 11:00am ET
Saturday, June 27
- Practice 3: 11:30am BST / 6:30am ET
- Qualifying: 3:00pm BST / 10:00am ET
Sunday, June 28
- Austrian Grand Prix: 2:00pm BST / 9:00am ET
How to Watch the Austrian Grand Prix 2026 for Free
Free live broadcasts of the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix are available in select countries. Fans in the following locations can catch practice sessions, qualifying, and the full race or highlights at no cost:
- United States: Apple TV (free live broadcast)
- Austria: ServusTV (free live broadcast)
- Belgium: RTBF Auvio (free live broadcast)
- Brazil: Globoplay (free live broadcast)
- Croatia: RTL (free live broadcast)
- Luxembourg: RTL Play (free live broadcast)
- Australia: 10Play (free highlights)
- Canada: CTV (free highlights)
- United Kingdom: Channel 4 (free highlights)
Watching from Abroad
For fans traveling outside their home countries, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can enable access to domestic streaming services, provided terms and conditions are adhered to. A VPN can help ensure secure and private access to live streams.
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Proton VPN is recommended for its fast speeds, robust features, and strong security. It offers dedicated servers optimized for streaming and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Currently, a two-year plan is available with a significant discount.
Country-Specific Viewing Information
United States
In the US, Apple TV is the primary platform for F1 broadcasts, including the Austrian Grand Prix. F1 TV is included with Apple TV subscriptions at no additional charge. Subscriptions start at $12.99 per month or $99 annually. Notably, the entire Austrian Grand Prix weekend is available for free to US viewers without an Apple TV subscription. Apple TV also offers a 7-day free trial.
United Kingdom
In the UK, Sky Sports F1 will provide live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix. Sky Sports packages begin at £20 per month. Alternatively, Now offers a more flexible streaming option, with Sports passes starting at £14.99 and monthly options from £27.99. Extended highlights will also be broadcast for free on Channel 4, starting at 6:30pm BST.
Australia
Australian F1 enthusiasts can watch the Austrian Grand Prix in full HD with multi-screen viewing options via Fox Sports on Kayo. Kayo offers Standard and Premium plans, with the Standard plan starting at AU$29.99 per month (with an introductory offer of AU$9.99 for the first month). The 10Play streaming service will provide free highlights of all weekend events.
Canada
Canadian F1 fans can follow the 2026 season, including the Austrian Grand Prix, on TSN. For cord-cutters, TSN Plus is available for $8 per month or $80 per year. The TSN app allows live streaming of practices, qualifying, and the race on various devices.
Drivers’ Championship Standings (after Round 8)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — 156 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 115 points
- George Russell (Mercedes) — 106 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 75 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) — 73 points
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — 68 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 55 points
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) — 41 points
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) — 34 points
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) — 28 points
