What channel is Formula 1 on today? TV schedule, start time for F1 Austrian Grand Prix

After a delay of almost four months amid the coronavirus pandemic, Formula 1 will finally begin its 2020 season with the Austrian Grand Prix. Though the F1 season is starting with a modified schedule, the TV channels for all races in the United States are the same, as ESPN and ESPN2 will broadcast Sky Sports' presentation of each Formula 1 race.

Sunday's season-opening race at the Red Bull Ring is actually the first of an Austrian doubleheader to begin F1's condensed 2020 schedule, as the 4.318-kilometer track in Austria will host another F1 race next weekend. The eight races currently confirmed on F1's 2020 schedule are packed into a nine-week period, and all eight will take place in Europe.

As for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, with a start time of 9:05 a.m. ET on ESPN, the Red Bull Ring is an ideal track for the F1 season-opener. The 10-turn course is on the smaller side in terms of distance, but the terrain makes for a wide variety of challenges in a short lap. And the mountainous scenery around the track is something to behold.

Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton is the favorite for Sunday's F1 race, per FanDuel, followed by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc on the odds board.

Below is how to watch Sunday's F1 race in Austria, including the TV channel and live stream options.

What channel is the F1 race on today?

• Race: Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Styria, Austria
• Date: Sunday, July 5
• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: Watch ESPN

For now, only the first two F1 races of the 2020 season have confirmed TV channels, with both this week's Austrian Grand Prix and next week's Styrian Grand Prix — both to run at the Red Bull Ring — scheduled to broadcast live on ESPN.

Either ESPN or ESPN2 will broadcast all 2020 F1 races in the United States using Sky Sports' feed.

All F1 races on ESPN and ESPN2 air commercial-free, and all practice sessions and qualifying air live and in replay across ESPN platforms.

In addition, ESPN Deportes serves as the exclusive Spanish-language home for all 2020 F1 races in the U.S.

What time does the F1 race start today?

• Date: Sunday, July 5
• Start time: 9:05 a.m. ET

The 9:05 a.m. ET start time for Sunday's race means the Austrian Grand Prix will start at 3:05 p.m. local time.

Because each of the eight F1 races currently confirmed on the 2020 schedule will take place in Europe, expect similar Formula 1 start times for the next couple months.

Below is the complete TV schedule for the weekend's F1 events at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Formula 1 live stream for Austrian Grand Prix

For those who don't have a cable or satellite subscription, there are four major OTT TV streaming options that carry ESPN — Sling, Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. Of the four, Hulu and YouTubeTV offer free trial options.

Below are links to each.

• Sling
• Hulu (free trial)
• YouTubeTV (free trial)
• AT&T Now

For those who do have a cable or satellite subscription but are not in front of a TV, Formula 1 races in 2020 can be streamed live via phones, tablets and other devices on the ESPN app with authentication.

Formula 1 schedule 2020

F1 in early June released an eight-race schedule that would serve as the start of its 2020 season, though the organization hopes run to a total of 15-18 races before the season ends in December.

"We currently expect the opening races to be closed events, but hope fans will be able to join our events again when it is safe to do so," F1 said in its release. "The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority number one, with Formula 1 and the FIA having a robust and detailed plan to ensure our races maintain the highest level of safety with strict procedures in place."

Below is the currently confirmed Formula 1 schedule for 2020.