appletv becomes the exclusive U. S. home of Formula 1 starting this weekend, as the 2026 season opens with the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026. Apple says subscribers in the United States can watch every Grand Prix live and on demand, including all practice, qualifying, and Sprint sessions. The Saturday race broadcast is scheduled for March 7 at 8 p. m. PT, which is 11 p. m. ET.
What changes right now for U. S. fans
Apple TV is now positioned as the single destination in the U. S. for the full 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season, with every session available to stream live and on demand. The opening weekend in Australia marks the first race under the new arrangement, with Apple emphasizing a fan-focused viewing experience built around multiple live viewing options.
Apple outlined several broadcast features tied to the season rollout, including 5. 1 surround sound and, for the first time for F1 viewers, 4K with Dolby Vision. Coverage is set to include English and Spanish commentary, plus access to up to 30 additional live feeds across sessions. The company also described a Multiview experience that allows viewers to watch up to four live feeds at once, including one-tap preconfigured layouts for every team as well as custom layouts.
Appletv viewing features: feeds, Multiview, and additional broadcasts
Among the additional live feeds Apple highlighted are Driver Tracker for a bird’s-eye view of the race, real-time telemetry and timing, a mixed onboard feed that automatically switches between onboard cameras as the race unfolds, and Podium feeds that follow drivers in P1, P2, and P3. Apple also stated that viewers will have access to Sky Sports broadcasts as another way to enjoy each race weekend.
For fans who miss live sessions, Apple said replays and highlights will be available, alongside “Race in 30, ” described as spoiler-free. Apple also said subscribers can explore curated programming for the 2026 season, including rule changes, new cars, team updates, the full race calendar, and key moments from last season.
Immediate reactions from Apple and Formula 1 leadership
“This weekend marks the start of a new era for Formula 1 fans in the U. S.,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. Cue said Apple is “excited to bring every moment of the season to Apple TV, ” and described the goal as “delivering an immersive experience designed entirely around fans. ” He added that Formula 1’s growth in America has been “extraordinary, ” and said Apple aims to build on that momentum by combining “the power of Apple TV with the broader Apple ecosystem. ”
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, framed the timing as significant for the sport. “As we begin this exciting chapter for our sport with new teams, cars, engines, and drivers, it is the perfect time to welcome Apple as our broadcaster in the United States, ” Domenicali said. He pointed to what he called growing passion for F1 in the country and said U. S. fans will be able to experience “every moment on Apple TV, ” feeling closer to the action, teams, and drivers.
Quick context and what’s next
The key shift is straightforward: Apple TV is now the exclusive U. S. home for Formula 1 across the entire 2026 season, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend at 11 p. m. ET.
Next comes the first real-time test of how fans respond to the new setup, from Multiview and the expanded live feeds to the promise of 4K with Dolby Vision. For U. S. viewers, the immediate focus is Saturday night’s green light at 11 p. m. ET—when appletv carries the first race of the season and sets the tone for the weeks ahead.
