Apple has launched a specialized Formula 1 channel within its Apple TV app for viewers in the United States, marking the beginning of exclusive live coverage for the sport. This announcement arrived on February 16, 2026, just weeks before the 2026 F1 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 8, positioning Apple TV as the primary platform for Formula 1 broadcasts in the US.
Background of Apple’s Exclusive Broadcast Partnership with Formula 1
The exclusive partnership between Apple and Formula 1 was first revealed on October 17, 2025, establishing Apple as the sole US broadcast partner for F1 from 2026 through 2030. Apple secured this deal by outbidding previous broadcasters such as ESPN, reflecting its strategic expansion into live sports after successes with Major League Soccer and the popular F1 film starring Brad Pitt.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, commented on the partnership’s significance:
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet. 2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world.”
— Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services
This agreement guarantees comprehensive coverage of the entire F1 weekend, including all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and Grands Prix. It replaces the previous standalone F1 TV Pro service in the US, integrating its premium content directly into Apple TV subscriptions. Formula 1 emphasized the smooth transition, stating:
This new broadcast agreement will see Apple TV host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.
Launch Details and How Fans Can Access the New F1 Channel
The new Formula 1 channel is prominently available in the Apple TV app sidebar on living room devices, accessible as a quick link on tv.apple.com, and featured as a fixed shortcut within the Search tab on iOS devices. Users cannot remove or move the channel, highlighting Apple’s focus on showcasing its sports content.
Access to the channel’s full offerings requires an Apple TV+ subscription, which costs $12.99 monthly or $99 annually, with no extra fees specifically for F1 content. The channel is also available through Apple One bundles, the Apple Music Student Plan, or via select carrier promotions. Although non-subscribers can watch all practice sessions for free and have access to some full race weekends without payment, the full 24-race schedule is locked behind the subscription.
Key Features and Onboard Content for Viewers
The channel’s interface allows easy navigation, offering immediate access to upcoming and past events as well as supplementary content like historic race footage from Albert Park to build excitement for the season opener. It clearly displays detailed schedules covering practice sessions, qualifying stages, and race timings.
A major advantage is the consolidation of F1 TV Premium features, previously a separate service costing $79.99 annually. Apple TV+ subscribers now receive complimentary access to advanced options such as multiple camera views, onboard driver cameras, live team radios, and telemetry data, through account linking on the F1 TV app or website.
Existing F1 TV subscribers are advised to cancel any overlapping subscriptions and link their accounts via Apple to maintain uninterrupted premium access. Pre-season testing sessions currently underway in Barcelona can also be streamed by subscribers, although some users report varying quality and availability depending on the device, with better performance noted on mobile platforms than certain television systems.
Apple promises “premium and innovative fan-first coverage,” with further exclusive enhancements expected soon. The channel supports multiple platforms, including web browsers, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Chromecast devices, although some advanced features may be limited on particular platforms.
Mixed Responses and Ongoing Technical Challenges Among Fans
The channel’s debut has elicited both excitement and frustration across the fanbase. Social media outlets like 9to5Mac and MacHash widely shared the launch details, drawing substantial attention and positive feedback. An Instagram user explained the linking process:
U.S. F1TV stans we have an update!!! You can keep the F1TV app and link your @appletv account.
However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the discontinuation of the standalone F1 TV Pro, device-specific streaming problems, and the requirement to hold an Apple TV+ subscription to access all content. Online communities like Reddit and Facebook reveal ongoing discussions about the gradual rollout, with initial content becoming available for testing in early February. One frustrated fan posted:
I’m so pissed !!!! I signed up for Apple TV, f1 tv on my phone . They are linked now on my phone. I have Apple TV on my TV but can’t find any content on the tv.
Anticipating the Future Impact of Apple’s F1 Channel in the US Market
Apple’s acquisition of exclusive US Formula 1 broadcasting rights aligns with the sport’s increasing popularity in America, driven by Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series and new American-based teams joining the grid. Should this venture prove successful, Apple could seek to expand its partnership internationally.
This move strengthens Apple’s presence within the sports streaming market and may lead to innovations such as augmented reality features or unique behind-the-scenes content exclusive to the platform. As the 2026 season begins—with new regulations, teams, and prominent drivers like Lewis Hamilton now racing for Ferrari—US fans gain a streamlined, technologically advanced method to follow the entire Formula 1 championship, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.
