Formula 1 Streaming Exclusively on Apple TV in 2026: What US Fans Need to Know

The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend with a major shift in how US fans can watch the races. Apple TV has secured exclusive streaming rights for Formula 1 in the United States, marking a significant change from previous years when races were split across various networks and streaming services.

Apple TV Becomes F1's Exclusive US Home

Starting with the season opener this Saturday, March 7th at 8 p.m. PT, all Formula 1 races will stream exclusively through the Apple TV app. This includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the new Sprint sessions that have become a regular feature of modern F1 weekends.

Existing Apple TV or Apple One subscribers automatically gain access to the full F1 schedule at no additional cost. For those who haven't subscribed yet, Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month, or at a discounted rate through the Apple One bundle.

What Makes Apple TV's F1 Coverage Different

The streaming experience on Apple TV goes beyond simply providing a new platform for watching races. Apple is positioning this as a complete reimagining of how fans consume Formula 1 content.

Enhanced Viewing Features

Apple TV will stream all F1 content in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR support, marking the first time Formula 1 has been available in this quality for US viewers. The service includes both English and Spanish commentary options, catering to the diverse F1 fanbase in America.

One of the most significant additions is multiview support, allowing viewers to watch up to four live feeds simultaneously. This feature is available on supported devices including Apple TV 4K, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple promises both preconfigured multiview layouts and the ability to fully customize each feed according to viewer preferences.

Comprehensive Coverage

Subscribers will have access to up to 30 additional live feeds during race weekends, providing unprecedented access to different camera angles, team radios, and behind-the-scenes content. The service also includes Sky Sports broadcasts as an alternative option for those who prefer that commentary team.

Device Compatibility and Accessibility

A key advantage of Apple TV's F1 coverage is its broad device compatibility. While the service is naturally integrated into Apple's ecosystem, it's not limited to Apple hardware:

• iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices
• Apple TV 4K and Apple Vision Pro
• Android devices through the Apple TV app
• Smart TVs with Apple TV app support (including Samsung, LG, Sony, and others)
• Streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV
• Web browsers for computer access

This wide compatibility means you don't need to own Apple hardware to access F1 races. The Apple TV app is available on most major platforms, making it accessible to the majority of US households.

Alternative Viewing Options

For viewers who prefer not to watch through the Apple TV app, F1 TV Premium remains available as an alternative. Interestingly, Apple TV subscribers in the US receive F1 TV Premium at no additional cost, providing flexibility in how fans choose to consume the content.

The Bigger Picture

This move represents Apple's continued expansion into live sports streaming, following similar deals for Major League Soccer and other sports content. The company is betting that its technology and user experience advantages will attract sports fans who might otherwise stick with traditional cable or other streaming services.

The exclusive rights deal also reflects Formula 1's growing popularity in the United States, with the sport seeing significant audience growth in recent years. Apple's investment suggests confidence that this growth will continue, particularly with the enhanced viewing experience they're offering.

Getting Started

To watch the 2026 F1 season on Apple TV, fans need to:

1. Subscribe to Apple TV ($12.99/month) or Apple One
2. Download the Apple TV app on their preferred device
3. Sign in with their Apple ID
4. Navigate to the F1 section to access live races and on-demand content

With the first Grand Prix just days away, US Formula 1 fans have a decision to make about their viewing setup for the 2026 season. Apple's comprehensive offering, with its advanced features and broad device support, presents a compelling option for both casual viewers and dedicated racing enthusiasts.