The world of Formula 1 has entered a bold new era in 2026, and the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Course provided a showcase for dramatic on-track action and sweeping changes off it. With the season’s third round wrapped up, fans were treated to a thrilling contest that saw Kimi Antonelli storm to his second consecutive victory, reshuffling the championship standings and underscoring a rapidly evolving landscape for how Americans watch the world’s premier motorsport.
For the first time, Formula 1 fans in the United States had a single destination for every moment of the action: Apple TV. After securing exclusive broadcasting rights to all Grand Prix, qualifying, and practice sessions through 2032, Apple TV has become the sole gateway for F1 in the U.S. Gone are the days of flipping between cable channels or piecemeal streaming packages—now, the Apple TV app’s dedicated Formula 1 hub is the only place to catch every lap, every pit stop, and every heart-stopping overtake. And for those just dipping their toes into the sport, Apple sweetened the deal by offering all Friday practice sessions for free, no subscription required. That’s a change that could entice a whole new wave of American fans to experience the spectacle of Formula 1.
The Japanese Grand Prix itself, held on March 28, 2026, at the storied Suzuka circuit, delivered the kind of drama that keeps fans glued to their screens. Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian sensation for Mercedes, started from pole for the second race running after a blistering qualifying lap of 1:28.778—nearly three tenths ahead of his teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s performance in qualifying was nothing short of dominant, but the young driver was quick to downplay the margin. “You can gain or lose time so easily under the current regulations,” Antonelli explained after the session, suggesting that the gap to Russell didn’t fully reflect the underlying competitiveness. He added, “The race will give us a clearer picture of where we truly stand.”
Russell, who qualified second, echoed those sentiments, noting the unexpected pace of Ferrari and McLaren. “The closeness of Ferrari and McLaren came as a slight surprise,” Russell admitted, even as Mercedes locked out the front row. Oscar Piastri, showing renewed form for McLaren after a rocky start to the season, qualified third, while Charles Leclerc slotted into fourth for Ferrari. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the third row, with Norris’s McLaren showing steady progress and Hamilton’s Ferrari looking to rebound after a challenging qualifying session.
As the race got underway under clear skies at Suzuka, it quickly became a contest of strategy, nerve, and a dash of luck. The pivotal moment came when British driver Ollie Bearman suffered a terrifying 191 mph crash, triggering a safety car period. Antonelli, running near the front, seized the opportunity for a perfectly timed pit stop—a move that allowed him to leapfrog his rivals and take command of the race. Russell, who had just pitted moments before the safety car, could only shout “unbelievable” over the radio as the championship momentum swung away from him.
From there, Antonelli never looked back. He crossed the finish line an impressive 13.7 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri, who secured a well-earned second place for McLaren. Charles Leclerc completed the podium, fending off Russell’s advances and underlining Ferrari’s resurgence. Lando Norris took fifth, with Lewis Hamilton settling for sixth after a gritty drive. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who had struggled in qualifying and started 11th, could only muster eighth place in his Red Bull—a sign of just how competitive the field has become in 2026.
The aftermath of Suzuka’s high-speed chess match saw a significant shakeup in the championship standings. Antonelli now leads the driver standings with 72 points, nine clear of Russell’s 63. Leclerc sits third on 49 points, followed by Hamilton (41) and Norris (25). In the constructors’ race, Mercedes has surged ahead with 135 points, trailed by Ferrari (90) and McLaren (46). The results mark a notable shift from the previous season, when McLaren was the dominant force, and suggest that the battle for both titles will be wide open as the season unfolds.
For American fans, the new Apple TV era brings a suite of features designed to enhance the viewing experience. The Formula 1 hub within the Apple TV app isn’t just a portal for live races—it also offers alternative streams, including driver onboard cameras and special features. The Multiview option, available on Apple TV 4K, Vision Pro, and iPad, allows viewers to watch up to four different streams at once. Imagine tracking your favorite team’s drivers side-by-side with the main broadcast, or following a live podium tracker that automatically spotlights the leaders. On other supported devices, you can still enjoy the main feed and on-demand replays in crisp 4K quality.
Apple TV subscriptions run $12.99 per month or $99 per year, and the service can be shared with up to six people via Family Sharing. For students, Apple TV is included as a free perk with the Apple Music Student Plan, and some mobile carrier plans offer the service at a discount or bundled with other perks. If you’re a longtime F1.TV user, there’s more good news: Apple TV now includes F1.TV Premium, previously $129 per year, at no extra cost. By linking your accounts, you can continue to access F1.TV’s vast historical archives and lower-division racing content that isn’t available directly through the Apple TV app.
With Apple’s exclusive U.S. deal running through 2032, the partnership is poised to reshape how Americans consume Formula 1 for years to come. While some observers expect a dip in viewership compared to the ESPN era, Apple and F1 are betting that the convenience and depth of the new offering will win over fans in the long run. The big question: Will Apple seek similar exclusive rights in other countries if the U.S. experiment proves successful?
Looking ahead, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar is packed with marquee events. Next up is Miami (May 1-3), followed by stops in Canada, Monaco, Spain, and beyond, with the season stretching all the way to Abu Dhabi in December. Major League Soccer is also now part of the Apple TV lineup, further expanding the platform’s sports credentials.
As the dust settles in Suzuka, one thing is clear: Formula 1’s new era is off to a roaring start, both on the track and in living rooms across America. With Antonelli’s star on the rise and Apple TV redefining the fan experience, the 2026 season promises more drama, innovation, and global intrigue than ever before. Stay tuned—this championship fight is just heating up.