This season, American viewers who want to follow Formula 1 live must have an Apple TV subscription. Beyond streaming at home, Apple has teamed up with IMAX to present select Formula 1 races on large cinema screens across the United States. This partnership aims to deliver an immersive viewing experience by showcasing live races in theaters.
Five Grand Prix Events Scheduled for IMAX Screenings
Apple TV will broadcast five major Grand Prix races at IMAX venues nationwide, featuring Silverstone, Miami, Monaco, Monza, and Austin. The first event in this lineup is the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, with the races available at more than 50 IMAX theaters throughout the country. This initiative marks a shift in how live sports content reaches audiences beyond traditional home screens.
Apple’s Previous IMAX Experience and Current Plans
Last year, Apple showcased the fictional film F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, in IMAX theaters, creating buzz for Formula 1 content on the big screen. Building on that momentum, this year Apple is presenting actual Formula 1 races, aiming to replicate that success by bringing the excitement of real-time competition into cinemas.
Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Services, expressed the company’s vision, stating,
“by bringing F1 on Apple TV live to IMAX theaters nationwide, we’re delivering the energy and excitement to even more screens in a truly immersive way”
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IMAX’s Broader Strategy to Include Live Sports
This collaboration fits into IMAX’s broader plan to diversify its offerings beyond traditional theatrical films and include more live events such as sports and concerts. By embracing live broadcasts like Formula 1 races, IMAX hopes to attract new audiences and evolve its role as an entertainment venue.
Additional Apple Deals for Public Viewing of Sports
In a related development, Apple recently announced a partnership with EverPass Media, which supplies television access to commercial venues such as restaurants, bars, and clubs across the United States. This deal enables these establishments to stream Formula 1, Major League Soccer, and MLB Friday Night Baseball games. It reflects Apple’s intent to broaden the ways fans can legally access live sports content outside the home.
Formula 1 Streaming Details and Upcoming Apple Events
The exclusive streaming of the 2026 Formula 1 season on Apple TV began on March 7. Alongside live sports, Apple is set to host a launch event on March 4, unveiling multiple new products and software updates, which include enhancements to the Apple TV app and CarPlay functionality, promising an enriched media experience.
Significance of These Developments for Sports Broadcasting
Apple’s integration of Formula 1 live IMAX broadcasts signifies a shift in sports media by expanding viewing options to immersive public settings. For fans, this creates opportunities to experience the thrill of racing on much larger screens, complemented by advanced sound and visuals. For Apple and IMAX, it opens new revenue streams and sets a precedent for future live event presentations. As technology advances, such partnerships may redefine how audiences engage with live sports entertainment.
