Starting this weekend, Formula 1 fans in the U.S. will have a new way to experience every moment of the season: through Apple TV. The 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 7, marking the start of an exclusive partnership that brings unparalleled coverage and innovation to live sports broadcasting.
For the first time, viewers can watch every practice session, qualifying round, Sprint session, and race in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision, accompanied by 5.1 surround sound. This level of detail extends beyond the main broadcast, offering up to 30 additional live feeds per session. These include
- Driver Tracker: A bird’s-eye view of the race.
- Real-time telemetry and timing data.
- A mixed onboard feed that dynamically switches between driver cameras during races.
- Podium feeds tracking drivers in positions P1, P2, and P3 throughout the event.
Viewers can also customize their experience with a Multiview feature, allowing them to follow up to four live feeds simultaneously. Preconfigured layouts for each team are available, or users can create personalized setups. Additionally, Sky Sports broadcasts will be integrated, providing another layer of coverage and analysis.
The partnership between Formula 1 and Apple TV extends beyond the core racing experience. Subscribers can access curated programming that covers rule changes, new cars, team updates, and highlights from previous seasons. Missed sessions? Full replays, spoiler-free highlights, and a condensed 'Race in 30' are available on demand.
For deeper engagement, the F1 TV Premium offering—exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S.—includes access to Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup events at no additional cost. This expands the racing ecosystem for fans who want more than just the top-tier championship.
Beyond the Broadcast: Multi-Platform Integration
The collaboration doesn’t stop with Apple TV. Fans can integrate their Formula 1 experience across the broader Apple ecosystem
- Apple Sports app: Real-time leaderboards, standings, and live updates for all sessions, with direct links to watch on Apple TV.
- Live Activities: Push notifications to iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch for upcoming races and real-time updates.
- Game Card Sharing: Share excitement for any Grand Prix with friends or followers.
- My Sports: Seamless experience across Apple TV, Apple Sports, and Apple News, syncing interests and content.
Apple Maps introduces a new layer of interactivity for fans, with detailed circuit maps featuring turn numbers, grandstands, and custom 3D landmarks like the pit building. For those attending races in person, Maps provides navigation tools such as event entry gates, road closures, transit schedules, and pedestrian walkways. A Hyperlocal guide for Melbourne will also highlight local cafés, museums, and nightlife.
Apple Music adds another dimension to the experience with free live audio broadcasts of races, allowing fans to follow commentary on the go. The 'Sounds of Formula 1' destination offers playlists curated by drivers like Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) and Esteban Ocon (Haas), alongside exclusive DJ mixes from top artists.
Expanding Access: New Partnerships
The initiative goes beyond Apple’s ecosystem, aiming to reach broader audiences through strategic collaborations
- Tubi: Free live F1 altcasts featuring expert commentary and sharp race insight, available on every device in the U.S. Tubi’s large user base—particularly younger and digitally native audiences—will gain access to F1 content without subscription barriers.
- Yahoo Sports: Live practice sessions and qualifying streams on Yahoo Sports’ platform, reaching over 100 million monthly active users in the U.S.
- TelevisaUnivision: A Spanish-language simulcast of one race, along with pre- and post-race programming on Univision’s multiplatform ecosystem. This expands F1’s reach to Hispanic audiences through shows like La Jugada and Contacto Deportivo.
- IMAX: Select Grand Prix (Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, Austin) will be broadcast live in IMAX theaters nationwide, amplifying the cinematic experience for fans who prefer the big screen.
For commercial viewers, partnerships with DIRECTV and EverPass ensure that Apple TV’s sports portfolio—including F1, MLS, and 'Friday Night Baseball'—is accessible in bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues. Xfinity customers can integrate Apple TV’s coverage directly into their existing setup, with features like Xfinity Multiview allowing simultaneous viewing of multiple live sports.
What This Means for Fans
The partnership between Formula 1 and Apple TV isn’t just about delivering races; it’s about redefining the fan experience. For enthusiasts, this means deeper immersion with features like real-time telemetry, customizable Multiview layouts, and access to multiple camera angles. For casual viewers, it offers a seamless way to catch up on missed sessions or explore behind-the-scenes content.
Multi-platform integration ensures that fans can stay connected whether they’re at home, on their phone, or on the go. The addition of Spanish-language coverage and free altcasts broadens accessibility, while IMAX broadcasts cater to those who want a theater-like experience. For businesses, partnerships with DIRECTV and Xfinity expand the reach of live sports content beyond traditional TV setups.
As the 2026 season unfolds, fans in the U.S. will have more ways than ever to engage with Formula 1—whether through cutting-edge broadcasting technology, deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem, or innovative collaborations that push the boundaries of live sports entertainment.
