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

F1 qualifying has a Mercedes at the top — but it's not Lewis Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas took home his first pole position for the 2021 season after just edging out Lewis Hamilton on Saturday.

VALTTERI BOTTAS IS ON POLE❗️

A storming lap delivers the Finn pole position ahead of Hamilton (P2) and Verstappen (P3) ⚡️#PortugueseGP 🇵🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/mEJan9JuI1

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 1, 2021

Rounding out the top three are Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with the Red Bull driver pushing the pack once again after an intense quali session in Portimao. Hamilton and Verstappen split the first two races of the season, providing for early drama entering Round 3.

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

Here's what you need to know about this week's F1 race:

What channel is the F1 race on today?

• Race:  Portuguese Grand Prix
• Date:  Sunday, May 2
• 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, May 2
• Start time: 10 a.m. ET

The 10 a.m. ET start time for Sunday's race means the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix will start at 3:00 p.m. local time. The on-the-hour start time means lights out will likely take place at 10:05 a.m. ESPN's pre-race show usually airs in the hour prior to the start of the race.

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

Formula 1 live stream for Portuguese 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

Formula 1 returns in 2021 with a zaftig 23 race schedule, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28, and concluding with the costomary Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 12. 

The Portuguese Grand Prix returns for its second-consecutive running after a 22-year absence. Also making its debut this year is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking pace on the Jeddah Street Circuit, scheduled for December.

All times Eastern.