How to watch the 2026 IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix online
Here's how to watch the 2026 IndyCar Series Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. live online: the main race airs Sunday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, with practice and qualifying on FS1 and FS2 starting Saturday, Aug. 22. Stream all three networks free through DirecTV's five-day trial or other live TV streaming apps.
After the Grand Prix of Ontario in Canada in mid-August, the IndyCar Series heads to the nation's capital for round 15 of the season. The Freedom 250 runs through the streets around the National Mall on a temporary street circuit. Whether you're tuning in for the racing or the celebrity turnout, here's what you need to know about watching every session live.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. runs Aug. 22–23, with race day Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
- FS1, FS2, and FOX carry the full weekend, including practice, qualifying, warmup, and the pre-race show.
- DirecTV offers a five-day free trial with FS1, FS2, and FOX; FOX One, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV are other streaming options.
- The event takes place on a street circuit around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
- High-profile attendees, including President Donald Trump and several celebrities, could boost ratings for broadcasters.
When Is the 2026 IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
The Freedom 250 weekend kicks off Saturday, Aug. 22 with practice and qualifying. Race day follows on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). It marks round 15 of the 2026 IndyCar Series season, arriving directly after the Grand Prix of Ontario.
The motorsports event unfolds across Washington, D.C.'s streets surrounding the National Mall. That makes it one of the most visually distinctive stops on this year's calendar.
Where Can You Watch the Freedom 250 on TV?
FOX handles race day coverage, including the pre-race show starting at 11:30 a.m. ET. FS1 and FS2 split practice sessions, qualifying, and the Sunday warmup across the weekend.
According to Variety, the broadcast lineup gives fans multiple chances to follow the action from first practice through the checkered flag.
How Can You Stream the 2026 IndyCar Race Online?
If you don't have cable, live TV streaming services carry FS1, FS2, and FOX. DirecTV's five-day free trial is highlighted as the best way to watch for free; its Entertainment Signature Package ($59.99 for the first month, then $89.99/month) includes more than 90 channels.
FOX One ($19.99/month or $199.99/year) bundles every FOX network, including FS1 and FS2, with a three-day trial available through Prime Video add-on signup. Fubo offers a five-day trial and first-month discount on its Pro plan ($63.99, regularly $88.99/month), plus FOX One access through Fubo login credentials.
Hulu + Live TV includes a three-day free trial, FS1, FS2, FOX, and a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited for $89.99/month. Sling TV's Blue package ($54.99/month) also includes the necessary channels, though pricing and availability vary by market.
For more live sports streaming guides, visit our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
What's the Full Weekend Schedule?
Saturday, Aug. 22: Practice 1 at 9 a.m. ET on FS1; Practice 2 at 1 p.m. ET on FS2; Qualifying at 5 p.m. ET on FS2.
Sunday, Aug. 23: Warmup at 9 a.m. ET on FS1; Pre-Race Show at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX; Race at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
With star power expected in the stands—including President Donald Trump, Joe Rogan, Shane Gillis, and Tony Hinchcliffe—broadcasters are banking on strong viewership. The Freedom 250 could deliver a ratings win for every network carrying the event.