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Where to watch F1 Monaco in 2026
Find out where to watch the Monaco Grand Prix live in 2026. See official F1 TV channels and streaming options by country, including how to watch while abroad.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic races in Formula 1, attracting fans from around the world to watch the action live in Monte Carlo or follow the race from home. Since tickets are limited and viewing options vary, planning ahead is essential.
This guide covers where to watch F1 Monaco 2026, including in-person viewing options, the most reliable streaming platforms for US viewers, and free ways to follow the race if you don’t have a grandstand ticket.
If it’s your first time visiting Monaco for F1, we’ll also cover how to stay connected abroad with a Holafly international eSIM, so you never miss a lap while exploring.
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Where can you watch F1 Monaco live (In-person and online)
You can watch the Monaco Grand Prix live either in person at the Circuit de Monaco or via online streaming platforms. The 2026 race weekend takes place from 5 to 7 June, with the main Grand Prix typically held on Sunday afternoon at the iconic street circuit in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
If you’re attending in Monaco, you’ll find several viewing options, including public areas around the circuit, as well as bars, hotels, and hospitality venues with trackside views. Many visitors also choose to stay in nearby Nice and commute to Monaco, with frequent and scenic train services running throughout the race weekend.
Local vs tourist viewing spots
In Monaco, the difference between local-style viewing and tourist-focused venues usually comes down to cost, elevation, proximity to the track, and how crowded the experience feels.
If you’re after atmosphere and flexibility, local free/low-cost viewing spots are your best bet.
Here are some of the best places to watch the Monaco Grand Prix with locals:
- In Port Hercules public terraces, you won’t see the whole circuit, but you’ll hear the cars, feel the speed, and be surrounded by fans, especially on race day.
- Bars and cafés around Casino Square, including outdoor seating near Café de Paris, are popular for the energy more than the visibility. You can enjoy the vibe, follow the race on screens, and try authentic Monaco food between sessions.
However, if you’d rather trade atmosphere for comfort and a guaranteed spot, premium venues offer a very different experience.
- Hotel rooftops and private terraces provide elevation and clearer sightlines. Properties such as the Ermanno Palace, Hotel de Paris, and terraces at Monte-Carlo Bay are known for overlooking key sections of the circuit, including the race start and early acceleration zones. Access is usually limited to guests or private bookings.
- Hospitality suites, yachts, and private balconies offer the most comfortable way to watch, with seating, food, and controlled access.
These areas fill up quickly, but if you arrive early, you’ll get a front-row feel of the race weekend and have enough time to explore other things to do in Monaco between events.
Where can you watch F1 Monaco in the USA?
As of 2026, the only way to stream the Monaco Grand Prix live in the USA is through Apple TV. Formula 1 signed an exclusive broadcast deal with Apple, which means traditional options like ESPN, ABC, and YouTube TV are no longer available to watch live races.
How to watch F1 in 2026 without Apple TV
In the U.S., you can’t watch full Formula 1 races without Apple TV. Apple holds exclusive broadcast rights from 2026 to 2030. So you’ll now need an Apple TV subscription to watch all sessions, practice, qualifying, sprint, and the full Grand Prix.
Can you watch F1 Monaco on US TV channels or streaming platforms?
No. As of 2026, you can’t watch Formula 1 on US TV channels like ESPN, ABC, or streaming platforms like YouTube TV. Apple TV holds exclusive US rights to all F1 races, including the Monaco Grand Prix.
Can you watch F1 Monaco for free in the USA?
Yes, you can watch parts of the Monaco Grand Prix for free, but not the full race. In 2026, Apple TV holds exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the US, and full race access requires a subscription.
Here’s how to watch F1 Monaco for free in the USA:
- Practice sessions and a few select races are streamed free in the Apple TV app, with no login or payment required.
- Apple also offers a 7-day free trial, or up to 3 months free with select Apple devices, which you can use to access full race coverage temporarily.
Free access is limited, but it’s a useful option if you time your trial with the race weekend.
Where to watch F1 Monaco Qualifying
You can watch F1 Monaco Qualifying live in the USA with an Apple TV subscription. It’s the exclusive platform for all Formula 1 sessions in 2026, including practice, qualifying, sprint, and the full Grand Prix.
F1 Monaco Qualifying is all about raw speed. Drivers compete for the fastest lap times across three knockout rounds (Q1, Q2, Q3) to secure their starting positions for race day. It’s shorter, more intense, and often more technical than the main event, which focuses on endurance, race strategy, and overtaking.
Here is how to watch F1 Monaco Qualifying in the US:
- Platform: Apple TV+ (exclusive Formula 1 broadcaster in the USA)
- Access: Requires a paid subscription ($12.99/month)
- Free options: Practice sessions are available for free; qualifying is not.
- Free trial: 7-day free trial or up to 3 months free with new Apple device purchases
- Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
- Time: Approx. 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST
Apple now includes former F1 TV Premium features within its service, such as multi-camera views and live timing. There’s no longer a standalone F1 TV option in the US.
If you’re outside the US, qualifying may still be broadcast by local sports networks, depending on regional rights.
Final guide to watching F1 Monaco: In person & streaming
The best way to experience the Monaco Grand Prix depends on where you are and what kind of F1 fan you are.
Here’s a quick guide if you plan to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco:
| Travel Style / Priority | Best Viewing Option |
|---|---|
| High-end experience | Private yachts in Port Hercules, rooftop suites like Ermanno Palace or Hotel de Paris for panoramic views and VIP comfort. |
| Low-cost or flexible budget | Public terraces around Port Hercules, standing areas, or bars near Casino Square. Arrive early for a decent spot. |
| Focused on on-track action | Grandstands L–P (Swimming Pool section), ideal for high-speed chicanes and technical turns. |
| First time in Monaco | Grandstand B, overlooking Casino Square, for a scenic, central location and atmosphere. Combine with free areas for variety. |
Local tip: If you can’t access an apartment balcony or private boat, aim for grandstands near the Swimming Pool or Casino Square. These places offer the best mix of visibility and atmosphere.
If you are in the USA, here is how to watch the F1 Monaco:
| Viewing Preference | Best Way to Watch |
|---|---|
| Full live coverage | Apple TV+ subscription ($12.99/month). Includes all races, qualifying, and sprints. |
| No subscription (limited) | Apple TV app offers free access to all practice sessions and occasional races. |
| Trying it for the first time | Use Apple’s 7-day free trial or 3-month trial with device purchases. |
| Watching while traveling | Use a Monaco eSIM to stream smoothly without roaming fees or SIM swaps. |
Note: ESPN, ABC, and YouTube TV no longer carry live F1 coverage in the US as of 2026.
Stay connected when watching F1 Monaco
An eSIM for Monaco is the simplest way to stay online during race weekend, whether you’re streaming, navigating, or sharing the action in real time.
But if you’re watching from anywhere else, the US, Europe, or beyond, you’ll still need reliable data for every update, stream, or GPS ping on the go.
A Holafly travel eSIM gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support with flexible daily or monthly plans.
Skip the SIM swap and avoid roaming charges. Just scan a QR code, connect, and enjoy every lap. Plus, you can get even more out of your trip with Always On, a Holafly perk that provides 1 GB of monthly backup data in 70+ destinations. This extra data becomes available once your Holafly eSIM is activated and remains active as long as the eSIM stays installed.
With Holafly, staying connected is one less thing to race against.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
