Apple TV and Formula 1: A New Era of Racing Excitement
Apple TV is stepping into the fast lane with an exhilarating announcement: starting in 2026, it will become the exclusive home for Formula 1 (F1) racing in the U.S. This five-year broadcasting agreement promises to deliver high-speed action straight to the screens of racing enthusiasts. With the competition heating up, all eyes will be on McLaren’s reigning champion Lando Norris, Mercedes’ George Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and the potent duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from Ferrari. As fans, you might already be predicting who will take the crown this season.
A New Contender: Cadillac Joins the Race
This season marks an exciting debut for Cadillac, entering the high-octane world of F1 racing. The American brand will field its own team featuring drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez. Their sleek, metallic black-and-white, Ferrari-powered car is set to turn heads, adding a new layer of excitement to this year’s competition. Along with new regulations and technological advancements, fans can expect a transformation in the sport as racing strategies and performances adapt to these changes.
Global Coverage and Safety Concerns
The F1 races this year are set to take place across numerous international venues, including Spain, the UK, Japan, and the U.S. However, heightened safety concerns are looming due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly as the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix approach in April. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of F1’s governing body, the FIA, has reassured fans that safety and well-being are top priorities. “We continue to monitor developments on the ground,” he stated, highlighting a commitment to assessing all upcoming events.
How to Watch: Your F1 Guide for 2026
For Apple TV subscribers in the U.S., streaming every race this season will be seamless. Apple is also sharing the broadcasting rights with other platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Tubi. Notably, Netflix subscribers can look forward to streaming the Canadian Grand Prix starting May 22. Moreover, races will also be accessible through F1 TV Pro, which is included at no extra cost with your Apple TV subscription.
March Race Schedule
- Round 1: Australian Grand Prix – March 6-8
- Round 2: Chinese Grand Prix – March 12-15
- Round 3: Japanese Grand Prix – March 27-29
Enhanced Viewing Experience on Apple TV
Upon launching the Apple TV app, users will find a Formula One hub where they can dive into an array of content. Whether you’re interested in sprints, warm-ups, or practices, everything is conveniently organized with air dates for live events. The “Continue Watching” row will automatically update with upcoming races, making navigation a breeze.
For those who enjoy in-depth analysis, Apple TV offers a dedicated row for each Grand Prix, filled with past content, highlights, and behind-the-scenes videos. Fans can also access content from Sky Sports F1 broadcasts, enriching the overall experience.
Multi-View and Immersive Feeds
One of the standout features of the Apple TV experience is the ability to select from 30 different camera feeds. Whether you prefer the main broadcast or want to track your favorite driver’s movements via in-car cameras, the choice enhances viewer engagement. Additionally, the Multiview functionality allows you to watch up to four screens simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to follow various aspects of the race.
If you’re sporting the Apple Vision Pro headset, the experience intensifies further, offering up to five screens for a truly immersive viewing experience.
Beyond the Races: Apple’s Sports Ecosystem
F1 stats and live updates will also be available on the Apple Sports app, allowing fans to stay informed in real-time. Meanwhile, Apple News will feature a dedicated feed for F1 coverage, including live glances that help you keep track of races while reading related articles.
In addition, Apple Maps is rolling out digital guides for the season’s race tracks, complete with information on entry gates and other essential venues for those attending in person. Maps will feature 3D versions of selected tracks as well.
For audiophiles, live commentary will be accessible via Apple Music, which will host an F1 hub filled with race commentary, curated playlists by drivers, and a variety of F1 podcasts that dive deep into the world of racing.
Formula 1 2026: A Season of Thrills
The anticipation for the F1 2026 season is palpable, especially with such an engaging platform as Apple TV at the helm. From exclusive content to an array of viewing options, they are set to enhance the overall F1 experience. For fans eager to catch every nail-biting moment, this year promises to be a thrilling ride. Here’s a glimpse of the race day schedule:
Key Race Days in 2026
- March 7: Australian Grand Prix at 11 p.m. ET
- March 15: Chinese Grand Prix at 3 a.m. ET
- March 29: Japanese Grand Prix at 1 a.m. ET
- Further races include the Bahrain Grand Prix, Miami Grand Prix, and more in locations worldwide.
With all this excitement in store, F1 fans have plenty to look forward to as the engines roar to life on Apple TV.