Desperate F1 Fans Discovered a Legal Method to Stream the Vegas GP for Free

      Nevada DOT, ThatOneFormula on YouTube

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      If you’re familiar with Formula 1’s presence in Las Vegas so far, you’re likely aware that attending the race isn’t exactly affordable. While we could spend all day criticizing F1 for capitalizing on its newfound American audience by making it costly for them, that conversation has been had many times already. Instead, let’s highlight a humorous workaround that fans found to watch the event for free. Of course, it’s not what you’d call a high-definition broadcast.

      Thanks to reader Kevin, who pointed out that the race action could be seen through Las Vegas’ CCTV cameras, accessible to anyone. The video from ThatOneFormula below showcases public domain Grand Prix racing in all its pixelated glory. As one commenter mentioned, there is "lowkey an aesthetic to it."

      Much like those Twitter accounts that used to share “liminal spaces” that seem subtly eerie, modern F1 racing viewed through what essentially looks like a VHS recording on a 4K TV carries a certain vibe. It resembles found footage or those early internet clips intended to shock, disgust, or disturb. Though, of course, that's not the case here—it’s mainly cars racing around, typically solo. Occasionally, you might witness a pass about to happen, and that’s the highlight of the evening.

      Furthermore, since CCTV cameras don’t capture sound, the only thing more unsettling than watching 2025 F1 racing shot at flip-phone resolution is just that—silent.

      Therefore, we appreciate the Nevada DOT for providing us a rare glimpse of the pinnacle of motorsport through the broadcast technology of four decades ago. We had the Brad Pitt F1 film to showcase the sport's beauty; we needed something to make 220 mph appear as unexciting as possible to create balance. And kudos to anyone who managed a pirate-free watch party with this feed. Since F1 is now aware of this, it’ll likely be blocked next season.

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