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Watch the Japanese Grand Prix Live: Streaming Guide and VPN Options
Formula One returns to the legendary Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix, round 3 of the 2025 season. Championship leader Lando Norris aims to extend his advantage in this pivotal race. This guide details the top live TV streaming services to catch all the action live, no matter where you are, and explains how to utilize a VPN if geographical restrictions apply.
In the previous race at the Chinese Grand Prix, Norris secured second place, trailing McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. George Russell of Mercedes claimed third, while reigning champion Max Verstappen finished fourth. Ferrari is eager to rebound after a disappointing double disqualification in Shanghai, where Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton faced penalties for separate technical violations.
The Japanese GP is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at Suzuka Circuit. The race commences at 2 p.m. JST local time, which translates to 6 a.m. BST in the UK, and 3 p.m. AEST in Australia. For viewers in the US and Canada, the start time is 10 p.m. PT or 1 a.m. ET, taking place on Saturday night or Sunday morning. US viewers can watch the race on ESPN and ESPN Plus.
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ESPN’s networks and streaming platforms will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire race weekend in the US, including practice sessions and qualifying. To access complete coverage, viewers will need access to ABC and ESPN news channels via cable or live TV streaming services, or an ESPN Plus subscription. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to stream the race, including VPN usage instructions to watch the Japanese GP and other F1 races throughout the season.
Lando Norris currently leads the Drivers Championship standings with 44 points, eight points ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
Livestreaming the Japanese GP in the US
In the United States, every Formula One race of the 2025 season will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. Coverage includes all practice and qualifying sessions, as well as F1 Sprint events. The Japanese Grand Prix will be specifically aired on ESPN.
ESPN Plus will stream select races, offering alternative viewing options like Driver Tracker and mixed onboard cameras for all races.
For casual F1 enthusiasts and dedicated fans alike, ESPN’s standalone streaming service provides excellent coverage. ESPN Plus is priced at $12 monthly or $120 annually.
For those seeking broader entertainment, the Disney bundle, encompassing Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus, presents a compelling option. Ideal for fans wanting comprehensive race weekend coverage, including events on ESPN2 or ESPNews, alongside access to Disney and Marvel content.
However, hardcore motorsports aficionados, particularly those interested in Formula 2, Formula 3, or Porsche Supercar racing, may find ESPN Plus lacking in specific coverage. ESPN Plus is best suited for casual viewers or those seeking supplementary F1 content without extensive features found on dedicated F1 TV services.
Read our full review of ESPN Plus.
Sling TV’s Orange plan offers ESPN and ABC content via ESPN3. To verify local channel availability, input your address here.
Fubo’s subscription, including Regional Sports Network (RSN) fees, starts at $92 monthly. The base plan is $80, with an additional $12 for one RSN or $15 for multiple RSNs in your area. To check local channel options with Fubo, click here. Read our Fubo review for more details.
Utilizing a VPN to Watch the Japanese GP from Anywhere
For viewers traveling outside their home country who wish to access their usual Formula One coverage, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide a solution. A VPN enhances online privacy and security during streaming.
VPNs function by encrypting internet traffic and preventing internet service providers from reducing speeds. They also add security when using public Wi-Fi, protecting devices and login details. VPN use is legal in many regions, including the US and Canada, for legitimate purposes like online privacy and security. However, some streaming platforms have terms that may restrict VPNs for accessing content from specific regions.
For streaming with a VPN, it’s important to review the streaming service’s terms of service to ensure compliance. Choose a reputable VPN and follow installation guidelines to ensure a secure connection compliant with laws and service agreements. Be aware that some platforms may block VPN access, so verifying VPN compatibility with your streaming subscription is essential.
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ExpressVPN is currently recommended as a top VPN for reliability and safety, compatible with numerous devices. Typically priced at $13 per month, an annual subscription at $100 includes three complimentary months, offering a 49% saving, equivalent to $6.67 monthly.
ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Stream the Japanese GP in the UK
Formula 1 coverage in the UK is provided by Sky Sports and Channel 4. Sky Sports broadcasts races, practice sessions, and qualifying. Channel 4 offers free-to-air highlights following race day events. Sky Sports subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app. Cord-cutters can access Sky Sports through a Now TV membership with the Sky Sports package.
Now TV, a Sky subsidiary, provides streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership.
Day passes are available for £15, or monthly subscriptions start from £35.
Livestreaming the Japanese GP in Canada
In Canada, TSN holds the rights to broadcast every GP, including the Japanese Grand Prix, on TSN and its streaming platform, TSN Plus. Existing TSN cable subscribers can also access the streams at no additional cost using their TV provider credentials.
TSN Plus, a direct streaming service, is priced at CA$8 per month and includes coverage of PGA Tour Live golf, NFL, F1, NASCAR, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
Livestreaming the Japanese GP in Australia
Australian viewers can watch Grands Prix on Fox Sports through Foxtel. For those without a Fox subscription, Kayo Sports is the recommended streaming alternative.
Kayo Sports subscriptions start at AU$25 per month for streaming on one screen, while the Premium tier at AU$35 allows simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.
Kayo Sports offers access to various sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL, and MLB, without lock-in contracts.
New subscribers can benefit from a one-week free trial of Kayo Sports.
2025 F1 Schedule: Race Times and Locations
Formula 1 races are typically held on Sundays, generally spaced two weeks apart. The complete 2025 F1 schedule is listed below.
2025 F1 Schedule
| Date | Grand Prix | Circuit | Start time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16 | Australian Grand Prix | Albert Park Circuit | 12 a.m. |
| March 23 | Chinese Grand Prix | Shanghai International Circuit | 3 a.m. |
| April 6 | Japanese Grand Prix | Suzuka International Racing Course | 1 a.m. |
| April 13 | Bahrain Grand Prix | Bahrain International Circuit | 11 a.m. |
| April 20 | Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | Jeddah Corniche Circuit | 1 p.m. |
| May 4 | Miami Grand Prix | Miami International Autodrome | 4 p.m. |
| May 18 | Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix | Imola Circuit | 9 a.m. |
| May 25 | Monaco Grand Prix | Circuit de Monaco | 9 a.m. |
| June 1 | Spanish Grand Prix | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | 9 a.m. |
| June 15 | Canadian Grand Prix | Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | 2 p.m. |
| June 29 | Austrian Grand Prix | Red Bull Ring | 9 a.m. |
| July 6 | British Grand Prix | Silverstone Circuit | 10 a.m. |
| July 27 | Belgian Grand Prix | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps | 9 a.m. |
| Aug. 3 | Hungarian Grand Prix | Hungaroring | 9 a.m. |
| Aug. 31 | Dutch Grand Prix | Circuit Zandvoort | 9 a.m. |
| Sept. 7 | Italian Grand Prix | Monza Circuit | 9 a.m. |
| Sept. 21 | Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Baku City Circuit | 7 a.m. |
| Oct. 5 | Singapore Grand Prix | Marina Bay Street Circuit | 8 a.m. |
| Oct. 19 | United States Grand Prix | Circuit of the Americas | 3 p.m. |
| Oct. 26 | Mexico City Grand Prix | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez | 4 p.m. |
| Nov. 9 | São Paulo Grand Prix | Interlagos Circuit | 12 p.m. |
| Nov. 22 | Las Vegas Grand Prix | Las Vegas Strip Circuit | 11 p.m. |
| Nov. 30 | Qatar Grand Prix | Lusail International Circuit | 11 a.m. |
| Dec. 7 | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Yas Marina Circuit | 8 a.m. |
VPN Streaming Tips for the Japanese GP
- Streaming experience with F1 races via VPN can vary due to factors like ISP, browser, streaming provider, and VPN performance.
- If your preferred location is not readily available on ExpressVPN, utilize the “search for city or country” option to find it.
- Encountering issues accessing the stream post VPN activation? Verify your streaming service account address matches the desired viewing region. Update if necessary.
- Certain smart TVs, such as Roku, lack direct VPN app installation. In such cases, install the VPN on your router or a mobile hotspot (like your smartphone) to extend VPN coverage to all devices on that network.
- Recommended VPN providers offer detailed guides on router installation on their websites. For smart TV apps, you might need to verify a code or link sent to your registered email. Router-level VPN ensures consistent location presentation for both devices and smart TVs.
- Browsers may reveal your actual location despite VPN use. Opt for privacy-focused browsers such as Brave for service logins.