The race for Formula 1 dominance in the United States just took a massive turn. Apple and Formula 1 have announced a groundbreaking five-year partnership that will see Apple TV become the exclusive home for all F1 races, practices, and qualifying sessions in the U.S. starting with the 2026 season.
This is more than just a typical broadcast deal—it’s a move that firmly plants the rapidly growing sport within the Apple ecosystem and signals the end of F1 on traditional U.S. cable television.
What Does This Mean for the Fans?
The key takeaway for American F1 enthusiasts is simple: if you want to watch every wheel-to-wheel moment live, your home will be Apple TV.
The new deal, rumored to be worth significantly more than the previous arrangement, is structured to bring a new level of integration and access:
- All-Inclusive Coverage: Apple TV subscribers will get every single session live: Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and the Grand Prix race itself.
- F1 TV Premium Included: In a massive win for the most dedicated fans, the premium F1 TV content offering—which features driver on-board cams, live telemetry, and team radio—will be bundled and free for all Apple TV subscribers.
- The “Freemium” Model: Apple is reportedly taking a less restrictive approach than some other sports streamers. Select races and all practice sessions throughout the season will be made available to watch for free in the Apple TV app, serving as a gateway for new fans.
Full Throttle Integration Across the Ecosystem
Apple’s vision for Formula 1 goes far beyond just live video. The partnership aims to weave the sport into the daily user experience across the entire Apple product ecosystem:
- Apple Sports: The free app will feature live updates, real-time leaderboards, and championship standings.
- Lock Screen Integration: Expect F1 updates through Live Activities on your iPhone Lock Screen.
- Cross-Platform Amplification: F1 content, including news, music, and fitness tie-ins, will be promoted across Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Apple Fitness+.
This holistic strategy is exactly what Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali championed, with the goal of “entic[ing] new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach.”
A Partnership Built on Entertainment
This deal builds directly on the successful collaboration that produced the Apple Original Film, F1 The Movie, a box-office blockbuster. Apple’s senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, has stated that the company is committed to delivering “premium and innovative fan-first coverage in a way that only Apple can.”
As the sport enters a new era of technical regulations and continues its booming growth in the U.S. (now featuring three North American races: Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas), the move to a streaming-exclusive partner like Apple is a bold, future-forward step.
For fans, the countdown is on for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix—the first to be streamed live exclusively by a tech giant. Get ready to swap your channel guide for the Apple TV app.
