Quick Answer:
Can you download officially? No. F1 TV is strictly a streaming-only service on all devices (PC/Mobile/TV). (Part 1)
The Solution: You must use a specialized media downloader such as StreamGaGa to download videos from F1 TV and save the stream as a local MP4 file. (Part 2)
Alternative: Screen recorders and a comparison table to find the better way. (Part 3)
The reality of F1 TV offline viewing is far more complicated than it should be. Between DRM protections causing black screens on recordings and the 2026 shift of US rights to Apple TV channels, fans are finding it increasingly difficult to keep a permanent archive of their favorite races.
If you are looking for a way to build a local library of the 2026 season—free from buffering, or internet dependency—this guide breaks down exactly how to download F1 races in full 1080p at 50fps. I'll walk you through exactly how I download videos from F1 TV.
Can You Download Races on F1 TV Officially? (The 2026 Reality)
Note: F1 TV focuses on live and on-demand streaming. The F1 TV Pro app (on iOS, Android, and Web) does not have a download function.
The first question every new subscriber asks is: Can you download F1 TV races directly inside the app?
The short, frustrating answer is No.
- No Mobile Downloads: Even on your phone, you cannot save a race to watch later without data.
- No "Watch Later": If you lose internet connection, your stream stops immediately.
- The 2026 Apple TV Update: Many US fans hoped that when F1 TV integrated into Apple TV Channels in 2026, it would gain Apple's offline download feature. Unfortunately, due to Liberty Media's rights restrictions, the "Download" icon remains disabled for all F1 content.
This means if you want to download F1 races for a flight, a camping trip, or simply to keep a copy forever, official channels cannot help you.
How to Download Videos from F1 TV in 1080p 50fps?
Since the official app fails to provide offline access, using a dedicated media downloader like StreamGaGa is an alternative. StreamGaGa M3U8 Downloader makes it simple to get videos from many M3U8 websites such as F1 TV.
Here is how to download videos from F1 TV:
Step 1: Install and open StreamGaGa M3U8 Downloader.
Step 2: You can look for F1 TV videos in the built-in browser and pick the quality and format you want to download.
Step 3: When you click the "Download Now" button, the process will begin.
You can use the "Batch Download" feature to download an entire race weekend (Practice 1, 2, 3, Qualifying, and Race) in one go, saving hours of manual work.
Alternative Methods: Free Screen Recorders
Note: If you are looking to download F1 races for free, your options are limited to screen recording tools like OBS. However, this comes with significant drawbacks, specifically for F1 content.
The "Black Screen" DRM Issue
F1 TV uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. If you try to record your screen using standard free tools, you will often record a completely black screen with only audio playing. Bypassing this is technically complex and often results in laggy video.
Comparison: Why Downloaders Win
Here is the reality of trying to get F1 TV offline access using free vs. professional tools:
| Features | StreamGaGa (Downloader) | OBS / Screen Recorder (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Capability | True Offline (MP4 File) | Dependent on Recording |
| Time to Save |
5 Mins (Fast Download)
|
2+ Hours (Must play full race) |
| Frame Rate | 50fps (Perfect Motion) | 30fps (Ghosting/Blur) |
| DRM Success | 100% (No Black Screen) | Low (High risk of black screen) |
| Background Task |
Yes (Download while working)
|
No (PC must be dedicated to recording) |
Saving a full season of races (24 races x 2 hours) would take 48 hours of active screen recording time. With a downloader, you can queue them all overnight.
Why You Need "50fps" Downloads
If you have ever tried to screen-record a race, you have noticed the cars look blurry. This is because F1 is broadcast at 50 frames per second (fps) to capture high-speed motion. Standard screen recorders often cap at 30fps, ruining the experience.
- Screen Recorder (30fps): Choppy motion, blurred overtakes.
- StreamGaGa (50fps): Downloads the raw source file. Smooth, broadcast-quality motion identical to watching live.
[Bonus] F1 TV in 2026: Plans, Devices and Where It Works
Note: F1 TV now offers Access, Pro and Premium, with Premium adding 4K HDR, Multiview and more devices. From 2026, US fans will get all races through Apple TV, with F1 TV Premium features folded into the Apple TV app.
When I plan my race weekend now, I start by checking which F1 TV plan actually fits me. F1 TV Access gives me archives, shows and data, but no live races. F1 TV Pro gives me live sessions and on-board cameras. F1 TV Premium adds the new ultimate experience: 4K UHD / HDR, a Multiview layout with up to four live feeds, and streaming on multiple devices at the same time.
I also care a lot about devices. Right now I can use F1 TV on the web, on iOS and Android, and on connected TVs like Apple TV, Google TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV, plus some set-top boxes. That means I can stream on a laptop when travelling and on a big screen at home without changing apps.
Formula 1 and Apple signed a five-year deal where Apple TV becomes the exclusive US broadcaster from the 2026 season. F1 TV Premium as a standalone subscription will stop in the US and move inside the Apple TV app, but the Premium features like Multiview and 4K HDR will stay.
So when I plan how to record races for offline viewing, I already assume I may be doing it through Apple's app instead of a separate F1 TV app in the near future.
F1 TV vs Apple TV and Other Ways to Watch Races
Note: F1 TV is still the main direct-to-consumer streaming service for F1 outside the US, with Access, Pro and Premium tiers.
From 2026, US fans will watch all races through Apple TV, with F1 included in the standard $12.99 monthly price and F1 TV Premium features integrated into Apple's app.
When I choose how to watch a race, I do not look at F1 TV in a vacuum. For most countries, F1 TV Pro or Premium sits next to a local broadcaster that also shows races live, either on cable or through its own streaming app. The official broadcast information page lists country-by-country partners, and many of them now bundle F1 into wider sports packages.
In the US, the picture changes fast. Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year deal that brings every race to Apple TV starting in 2026. Apple says F1 will be part of the regular Apple TV package, which currently costs $12.99 per month, and Motorsport.com reports that F1 TV Premium will stop as a standalone service in the US and move into the Apple TV app instead.
Because of that, my own decision tree looks like this:
- check if my region supports F1 TV Pro or Premium;
- compare that price and feature set with local channels;
- only then think about recording the stream for offline viewing. In some markets, a regular broadcaster or Apple TV may already meet my needs without any extra tools.
Final Words
It is disappointing that in 2026, a premium service like F1 TV still lacks a basic download button. But that doesn't mean you have to miss the action when you are offline. By using a tool like StreamGaGa, you can download videos from F1 TV in high-quality, 50fps library of races to watch anywhere.
It can download many F1 TV videos at once and get rid of ads. You can read the how to download WWE shows to find out more.
FAQs
Q1. Can you download races on F1 TV directly to an iPad?
A1. No. The F1 TV app does not support downloads. You must download the file on a PC/Mac first using software like StreamGaGa, and then transfer the MP4 file to your iPad for the flight.
Q2. Is it legal to use a downloader with F1 TV?
A2. It depends on your country and how you use it. I only record races I have paid for, I keep them for personal use, and I do not upload them anywhere. You should always follow F1 TV's terms and your local copyright law.
Q3. What is the difference between F1 TV Access, Pro and Premium?
A3. Access gives replays and shows but no live races. Pro adds live sessions and more camera angles. Premium adds 4K UHD / HDR, Multiview with up to four feeds and more devices at the same time.
Q4. Why does my screen recording show a black screen?
A4. This is F1 TV's DRM protection blocking your screen recorder. Dedicated downloaders communicate directly with the server to avoid the black screen issue entirely.
Q5. What happens to F1 TV in the US after the Apple TV deal?
A5. From 2026, F1 TV Premium will stop as a standalone streaming plan in the US and move inside the Apple TV app. Fans will use Apple TV to watch sessions, but keep features like Multiview and 4K HDR through that app.
Q6. Can I watch F2, F3 and F1 Academy replays offline?
A6. F1 TV gives me on-demand replays for these series, but the same rules apply: I can stream them, but there is no official download button. If I download them for offline viewing, I treat them just like F1 races and follow the same legal rules.

While F1 TV may not directly cater to the needs of those wishing to download videos from F1 TV , StreamGaGa M3U8 Downloader is an effective solution.

