The 2026 Formula 1 season is launching exclusively on Apple TV in the United States this weekend, marking a significant shift in how the high-octane motorsport will be consumed stateside. This new arrangement, stemming from a five-year agreement struck last October, places Apple TV as the sole broadcast partner for F1 in the US.
Subscribers to Apple TV, or those within the Apple One bundle, will gain access to the full slate of F1 action. This includes all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and the main Grand Prix events. Beyond live races, the platform is rolling out a dedicated 'F1 channel' within the Apple TV app, offering a centralized hub for content. For those preferring additional angles, features like 'Multiview' will be available on supported devices, and onboard camera feeds for each car will also be streamable.
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Wider Integration, Selective Access
Apple's strategy appears to extend beyond mere broadcasting, aiming for a more integrated fan experience. Users following F1 via the 'Apple News' app will find their interests automatically syncing across 'Apple TV' and 'Apple Sports'. The 'Apple Sports' app itself will provide live stats and updates throughout the season. Furthermore, Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup events are accessible through the 'F1 TV app' via an Apple TV subscription.
For viewers not paying for a full Apple TV subscription, access will be more limited, with only 'select races' and all practice sessions being made available. This tiered approach suggests a push to convert casual viewers into paying subscribers by offering a taste of the action.
Navigating the New Digital Paddock
The rollout of F1 content on Apple TV includes new programming and a dedicated channel within the app, designed to be easily discoverable through the TV sidebar, website header, and iPhone search functions. Users can opt to 'follow' F1 to receive event notifications.
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In a notable expansion of its content library, 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' will also be available on Apple TV in the US, alongside its existing home on Netflix. A specific event, the 'FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2026' on May 22, is slated to stream on both Apple TV and Netflix.
Apple TV itself is accessible across a broad spectrum of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV 4K, Vision Pro, Android devices, and numerous smart TVs, as well as platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The service costs $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new users.
Background: A Sport's Shifting Media Landscape
This move by Formula 1 into exclusive streaming with a tech giant like Apple signifies the sport's ongoing evolution within the media landscape. As traditional broadcasting models are challenged, sports properties are increasingly exploring direct-to-consumer digital platforms to reach a wider, often younger, audience and to monetize their content more effectively. The inclusion of additional racing series and features like Multiview suggests an attempt to cater to dedicated fans while simultaneously drawing in newcomers through integrated services. The inclusion of the Madrid street circuit in Spain signals the sport's continued expansion and adaptation to new environments. This season also brings regulatory changes, with lighter cars, new aerodynamic features, and engines that rely more heavily on electrical components.
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