Formula 1 is racing into a new digital chapter. Beginning with the 2026 season, Apple TV will become the exclusive home of F1 in the United States, marking a revolutionary step in how motorsport fans experience the world’s fastest racing series. This isn’t just another broadcast deal — it’s a full-speed shift toward the future of sports streaming, technology integration, and fan engagement.
Apple TV Takes the Wheel
Starting in 2026, Apple TV will stream every aspect of Formula 1 — from practice sessions and qualifying rounds to sprint races and full Grand Prix weekends. All of it will be available live and on demand within the Apple TV app. A limited selection of races and sessions will also be open to watch for free, giving new fans a taste of the action while maintaining premium access for subscribers. The move turns Apple TV into the primary digital home for F1, replacing the traditional television coverage that fans have relied on for decades.
The End of F1 TV as a Standalone Service
For viewers in the U.S., the dedicated F1 TV app will merge directly into Apple’s ecosystem. Fans will still enjoy the same rich features they’re used to — onboard cameras, team radios, multi-angle views, and live timing — but now within Apple’s interface. This integration streamlines the experience, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions and apps. Apple’s infrastructure allows for smooth switching between live sessions, race replays, and highlights — all within a single platform.
One Subscription, All the Racing
Apple TV+ subscribers won’t have to pay extra to access Formula 1 coverage. The entire F1 season will be included as part of the existing monthly plan, giving fans complete access to live broadcasts, analysis, and replays at no additional cost. The subscription model keeps things simple: one price, one app, endless racing. For occasional viewers, some content will remain available without a subscription, including select practice sessions and a few Grand Prix events each season.
A Fully Connected F1 Experience
Apple is not just streaming races — it’s building an interconnected F1 experience across its ecosystem. Race weekends will link with the company’s other services, offering real-time data, standings, and updates through Apple Sports, Apple News, and even widgets on iPhone and Apple Watch. Fans can expect live circuit maps, instant alerts for qualifying results, and deep analytics powered by Apple’s signature clean design and usability. The goal is to make Formula 1 not just something you watch, but something you follow across all your devices.
A Billion-Dollar Move for Sports Streaming
The deal marks one of the biggest investments Apple has ever made in live sports. It reinforces the company’s growing ambition in this space, following the success of its partnerships in soccer and baseball. Bringing Formula 1 into the fold gives Apple access to a young, global, tech-savvy audience — exactly the kind of fanbase that thrives on innovation and digital engagement. For Formula 1, it’s a chance to modernize how the sport reaches its audience and create a streaming experience worthy of its cutting-edge image.
What It Means for the Future of Formula 1
This partnership signals more than a change in broadcasters — it’s the beginning of a new era. Formula 1’s move to Apple TV reflects a broader shift in how fans consume sports: streaming-first, data-driven, and fully interactive. The combination of Apple’s design, streaming quality, and ecosystem integration promises a seamless experience where fans can dive deeper into the strategy, telemetry, and stories that define each race. While the initial rollout covers only the United States, it’s easy to imagine similar partnerships emerging in other regions in the future. Formula 1’s global appeal and Apple’s expanding streaming presence make that an inevitable next step.
