What channel is Formula 1 on today? TV schedule, start time for 2021 Austrian Grand Prix

Expect fireworks this weekend. Not just because this week's F1 race falls on Independence Day in the U.S., but because this year's Austrian Grand Prix could prove to be a pivotal point in this year's championship races.

Red Bull enters the second race on its home track red hot: Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have taken the top step of the podium in each of the past four races, with five total victories in GPs this year so far. Red Bull's charge to the top of the driver's and constructor's tables is, at this point, incredibly legit.

MORE: Watch Formula 1 live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

While it's still not even midway through the F1 season, that's an uncomfortable sight for Mercedes, which has had equal parts self-inflicted wounds and a second car to Red Bull in multiple races this year. Verstappen's dominant win over Lewis Hamilton at the Styrian GP means that a championship celebration this year isn't as a sure a thing for Merc and Hamilton.

It's the third leg of a triple-header and the second in a row at Austria. Here's what you need to know about this weekend's F1 race:

What channel is the F1 race on today?

• Race: Austrian Grand Prix
• Date: Sunday, July 4
• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: WatchESPN, fuboTV

The ESPN family of networks will broadcast all 2021 F1 races in the United States using Sky Sports' feed, with a few races heading to ABC later in the season.

In addition, ESPN Deportes serves as the exclusive Spanish-language home for all 2021 F1 races in the U.S.

What time does the F1 race start today?

• Date: Sunday, July 4
• Start time: 9 a.m. ET

The 9 a.m. ET start time for Sunday's race means the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix will start at 3 p.m. local time. The on-the-hour start time means lights out will likely take place just after 9 a.m. ESPN's pre-race show usually airs in the hour before the start of the race.

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

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 — fuboTV, Sling, Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. Of the four, Hulu and YouTubeTV offer free trial options.

Below are links to each.

• fuboTV  (free trial)
• 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 2021 can be streamed live via phones, tablets and other devices on the ESPN app with authentication.

Formula 1 schedule 2021

In all, there are 23 scheduled races in the 2021 F1 season, with the Portuguese Grand Prix the last race added, sliding onto the docket the first week in March. The originally scheduled Vietnam Grand Prix was removed after the arrest of Nguyen Duc Chung, while the Chinese Grand Prix is currently up in the air. It was originally scheduled for April 11, but will likely not take place this season.

All races will be broadcast on the U.S. side on the ESPN family of networks, with the United States Grand Prix and Mexico City Grand Prix both airing on ABC. The Singapore Grand Prix was also removed from the schedule, with the Turkish Grand Prix returning to the schedule in its stead on Oct. 3.

Please note: The on-the-hour start times do not include the broadcast start time, which is typically five minutes before the start of the race. Times do not include ESPN's customary pre-race shows.

MORE: Live stream F1 races all season on fuboTV (7-day free trial)

Here's the latest schedule: