The year 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting one for Formula 1, the premier motorsport series in the world. Following Lando Norris's victory in the previous season, the sport is undergoing significant changes with new regulations affecting both the engines and the chassis of the cars. These changes have forced all teams to start from scratch in designing their new single-seater cars. The new rules have sparked a lot of discussion, especially due to Mercedes' dominance in the early races and some comparisons to the popular video game Mario Kart, where certain players have an advantage. However, as the season progresses, it is expected that the competition will become more balanced and refined.
This week, the British Grand Prix is the 13th race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The event will take place from September 4 to 6, with the following schedule: Free Practice 1 on Friday, September 4 at 12:30 PM on Canal+ Sport; Free Practice 2 on the same day at 4:00 PM on Canal+ Sport; Free Practice 3 on Saturday, September 5 at 12:30 PM on Canal+ Sport; Qualifying on Saturday at 4:00 PM on Canal+ Sport; and the main race on Sunday, September 6 at 3:00 PM on Canal+.
Currently, watching the entire Formula 1 season without paying is no longer possible in France, as the broadcasting rights have moved from TF1 to Canal+. The French channel now requires a subscription to access the races. However, some Grand Prix are available for free on public television, such as the Monaco Grand Prix. In Belgium, RTBF offers free access to Formula 1, and in Switzerland, RTS provides free broadcasting rights for Formula 1 races.
In France, the only way to watch Formula 1 live on television is through Canal+, which offers various subscription packages. These packages also include access to other sports like football and NBA, as well as movies and series. Canal+ has exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 through 2029 and provides comprehensive coverage, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, races, and expert analysis. Additionally, Canal+ offers 4K UHD streaming for the races, provided the viewer has the appropriate internet speed and compatible equipment.
For those who prefer streaming, Formula 1 has its own subscription service called F1 TV, offering two options: F1 TV Access and F1 TV Pro. The Pro version, available only through Canal+ in France, includes live Ultra HD streams, multi-view modes, and team radios. F1 TV Access provides live telemetry data, including driver maps and tire wear. The F1 TV app is available on various platforms, including web browsers, iOS, and Android devices.
To stay updated on the Formula 1 season, viewers can watch the tests and qualifying sessions live on Canal+. A typical Formula 1 weekend includes two test sessions on Friday, one test and qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday. Some weekends include a sprint race, adjusting the schedule accordingly.
For those interested in the previous season, the Netflix series Drive to Survive offers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes of Formula 1, featuring interviews with drivers, journalists, and team directors. While some drivers are reluctant to participate, the production quality is high and provides a compelling overview of the sport.
As of the 2026 season, the Formula 1 calendar includes races in various locations around the world, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8 and concluding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6.
Formula 1 2026 Season Updates and Viewing Options
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Numerama



