Apple TV is preparing to become the exclusive US streaming home for Formula 1 racing beginning with the 2026 season. Ahead of the first Grand Prix in March, the Apple TV app has rolled out a collection of preview videos and programming designed to help fans prepare for the upcoming races.
Apple’s Five-Year F1 Partnership Begins
Starting in 2026, Apple TV will serve as the exclusive broadcast partner for Formula 1 racing in the United States through a five-year agreement. All Formula 1 races will stream through the Apple TV app and be included at no additional cost for subscribers to the Apple TV+ streaming service, which is priced at $12.99 per month.
This marks a significant shift in how American viewers access Formula 1 content, consolidating all races under a single streaming platform rather than requiring multiple broadcast or cable subscriptions.
New Preview Content Now Available
Apple has added a dedicated section to the Apple TV app’s home page titled “Get Ready for Formula 1 on Apple TV.” The collection includes multiple videos designed to familiarize viewers with the upcoming season, rule changes, and key storylines from the previous year.
Complete Video Lineup
The preview programming includes the following content:
- Livery Reveal: Red Bull
- 2026 F1 Rule Changes
- A New Era of F1
- Grand Prix Schedule
- Sprint Schedule
- F1 Academy Schedule
- 2025 in Review
- Abu Dhabi: Championship Decider
- Lando Norris: Ride with the Champ
- 2025 in F2 & F3
The videos play directly within the Apple TV app as part of a native playlist, allowing viewers to watch them sequentially without interruption. Each video varies in length and covers different aspects of Formula 1 racing, from technical regulations to driver profiles and season highlights.
What to Expect Before the Season Starts
With the first Grand Prix of the 2026 season not scheduled until March, additional Formula 1 content is expected to appear in the Apple TV app in the coming weeks. Apple is likely to expand its programming offerings as the season opener approaches, potentially including more team reveals, driver interviews, and technical analysis.
Subscribers to Apple TV+ will have access to all Formula 1 races throughout the season as part of their existing subscription. The service is also available at a discounted rate through the Apple One bundle, which combines multiple Apple services into a single monthly payment.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a separate subscription to watch Formula 1 races on Apple TV?
A: No. All Formula 1 races are included with an Apple TV+ subscription at no additional cost. The service is priced at $12.99 per month or can be accessed through an Apple One bundle.
Q: When does the 2026 Formula 1 season begin?
A: The first Grand Prix of the 2026 season is scheduled for March, though an exact date has not been specified in the available programming.
Q: Will F1 Academy and F2/F3 races also be available?
A: The preview content includes schedules for F1 Academy, F2, and F3, suggesting that coverage may extend beyond Formula 1’s main series, though Apple has not yet confirmed full broadcast details for these categories.
Q: Can I watch the preview videos without an Apple TV+ subscription?
A: The preview content appears to be available within the Apple TV app, but access requirements have not been explicitly detailed. An Apple TV+ subscription will be required for live race coverage once the season begins.
MacReview Verdict
Apple’s entry into Formula 1 broadcasting represents a meaningful expansion of its sports programming strategy. By bundling all races into the Apple TV+ subscription at no extra charge, the company is offering competitive value compared to traditional cable or multi-platform streaming arrangements that have historically fragmented F1 access in the United States.
The early rollout of preview content demonstrates a commitment to building viewer engagement ahead of the season. The variety of programming, from technical explainers to championship recaps, suggests Apple is investing in more than just live race broadcasts. For fans seeking a streamlined viewing experience, Apple’s approach eliminates the need to navigate multiple services or pay-per-view options.
As March approaches, the success of this partnership will depend on the quality of Apple’s live coverage, commentary, and supplemental content. The preview offerings indicate a serious effort to attract both existing Formula 1 enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.
