The green flag is about to drop on a new era for Formula 1 fans in the United States, as the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship launches exclusively on Apple TV this weekend. For the first time, American viewers can catch every heart-pounding Grand Prix, practice, qualifying, and Sprint session live and on demand, all through the Apple TV platform. This bold move, announced by Apple’s senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, on March 5, marks a seismic shift in how U.S. fans engage with the world’s premier motorsport.
Apple’s five-year deal to secure the U.S. media rights for Formula 1 is nothing short of ambitious. The tech giant will pay roughly $150 million per year—totaling $750 million—dwarfing the $90 million per year previously shelled out by ESPN. The 2026 season kicks off on March 7 with the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX, airing at 8 p.m. ET from Melbourne’s iconic Albert Park. Every moment, from the first green light to the final checkered flag, will be available to Apple TV subscribers for $12.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial for new users and three months free for eligible customers activating new Apple devices.
But Apple’s vision extends far beyond simply streaming races. Cue, a longtime Formula 1 enthusiast and Ferrari board member, is spearheading an unprecedented integration of F1 content across Apple’s entire ecosystem. “This weekend marks the start of a new era for Formula 1 fans in the U.S.,” Cue declared. “We’re excited to bring every moment of the season to Apple TV, delivering an immersive experience designed entirely around fans.”
What does this immersive experience look like? For starters, Apple TV’s F1 coverage boasts technological firsts for U.S. viewers: every race is presented in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision and 5.1 surround sound. Fans can choose between English and Spanish commentary, and for those who want to go deeper, up to 30 additional live feeds per session are available. These include Driver Tracker for a bird’s-eye view of the action, real-time telemetry and timing, mixed onboard cameras, and dynamic Podium feeds that follow the top three drivers throughout the race.
The Multiview feature is another game-changer. Viewers can watch up to four live feeds at once, either through a one-tap preconfigured layout for each team or by customizing their own viewing experience. If you’re the type who can’t decide between following your favorite driver’s onboard camera or keeping an eye on the overall race strategy, Multiview puts you in the driver’s seat—literally and figuratively.
Missed a session? No problem. Apple TV subscribers have access to full replays, highlights, and Race in 30—spoiler-free condensed versions of each race. And for those who crave even more insight, curated programming covers everything from new rule changes and team updates to the most electrifying moments from last season. F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s direct-to-consumer offering, is now included at no extra cost for Apple TV subscribers, providing access to Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup events.
Apple’s commitment to broadening F1’s reach doesn’t stop at its own platforms. Through a new collaboration, live practice and qualifying sessions will also stream in the U.S. on Yahoo Sports, which boasts over 100 million monthly active users. Coverage of practice sessions will carry Apple TV’s main broadcast feed, while qualifying sessions will feature a mixed onboard feed for a more dynamic, multi-angle perspective. Additionally, select races will be simulcast on Tubi, the popular free streaming service, with creator-led altcasts designed to attract younger, digitally native audiences.
Apple is also breaking new ground in cross-platform partnerships. In a rare collaboration with Netflix, the eighth season of the hit docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive will be available on both platforms, offering fans an insider’s look at the drama and intrigue of the 2025 season. In return, Apple will allow Netflix to livestream the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2026, bringing the spectacle of F1 to even more screens. IMAX theaters across the U.S. will host live broadcasts of five iconic Grands Prix, including Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin, amplifying the excitement for fans craving a larger-than-life experience.
For those attending races in person, Apple Maps is rolling out detailed circuit maps for select events, complete with turn numbers, grandstands, and custom-designed 3D landmarks like the F1 pit building. Navigating entry gates, pedestrian walkways, and road closures will be simpler than ever. The Maps app also features a “Tracks Around the World Guide” for all 24 Grand Prix circuits, and for the Australian Grand Prix, a Hyperlocal guide highlights the best of Melbourne’s cafés, museums, and nightlife.
Music lovers aren’t left out either. Starting with the Australian Grand Prix, Apple Music will feature free live audio broadcasts of races, driver-curated playlists, and exclusive DJ mixes. Fans can even listen to in-depth interviews, including a conversation with four-time World Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen, exploring his journey and the upcoming season’s expectations.
Apple Podcasts is joining the action with a dedicated Formula 1 collection, featuring official podcasts like F1 Nation and F1 Beyond The Grid. These shows provide race reactions, expert commentary, and deep-dive interviews with drivers and team principals, making it easier than ever for fans to stay connected to the sport’s pulse.
The Apple Sports app for iPhone delivers real-time leaderboards, driver and constructor standings, and live updates for every session, all with quick access to watch live on Apple TV. With Live Activities, fans receive instant updates on their Lock Screen or Apple Watch, and Game Card Sharing lets them spread the excitement for any Grand Prix with friends.
Apple’s push comes at a pivotal time for Formula 1 in America. Despite the sport’s global popularity, U.S. viewership has lagged behind juggernauts like the NFL. Under ESPN, F1 races averaged about 1.3 million American viewers—a far cry from the 19 million who tune in for a typical NFL game. But F1’s U.S. footprint is growing, with three marquee races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas and a 24-race calendar that promises non-stop action.
“We have an important journey ahead of us, one we’ll share in a country where the passion for F1 continues to grow with extraordinary energy,” said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO. “We are two global brands with the same ambition: to always strive for excellence, to boldly innovate, and to deliver thrilling experiences.”
Apple TV’s F1 coverage is available on a wide array of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, major smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, and online at tv.apple.com. Comcast Xfinity, Roku Channel, and Prime Video customers can also subscribe to Apple TV for seamless access to every Grand Prix and Apple original programming.
With the 2026 season roaring to life, Apple’s sweeping integration of Formula 1 across its digital universe is poised to transform how American fans experience the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard follower or a newcomer drawn in by the buzz, there’s never been a better—or more immersive—way to follow the world’s fastest show. As the engines rev and the lights go out in Melbourne, all eyes are on Apple TV to deliver every twist, turn, and triumph of the new F1 season.