Imax and Apple TV are set to broadcast the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship live on large screens at select U.S. Imax theaters for the first time. This initiative will feature five of the most prestigious Grands Prix, including Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin, giving fans a new way to experience Formula 1 live in a truly immersive setting.
The partnership coincides with Apple TV’s inaugural season as F1’s official U.S. broadcaster, following a five-year agreement secured in October. This deal reflects the growing enthusiasm for Formula 1 across the United States, with races now held in cities like Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin, attracting expanding audiences.
Schedule of Featured Grands Prix Available on Imax Screens
The live broadcasts on Imax screens will begin with the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. This will be followed by the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 5, the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 6, and the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 25. These events will be shown across at least 50 Imax locations nationwide, enhancing the fan viewing experience with the venue’s renowned visual and sound technology.
Background of the Imax and Apple TV Partnership in Formula 1
This new live viewing initiative builds on the success of the previous collaboration between Imax and Apple Studios with the release of F1: The Movie. Shot using Imax-certified digital cameras, the film became the top-grossing Hollywood release in Imax theaters for 2025, earning $97.6 million worldwide. Following its Best Picture Oscar nomination, the movie was re-released on 50 Imax screens starting January 30.
Directed and produced by notable figures including Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, alongside Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman, the film garnered broad acclaim. Distributed by Warner Bros., it grossed $654 million globally, setting records for both Pitt and the sports movie genre.
Statements from Industry Leaders on the Collaboration’s Impact
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Music, Sports, and Beats, emphasized the growing presence of F1 in the U.S. sports scene:
“F1 is a rapidly growing force in sports and culture in the US, and 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,”
said Schusser.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Imax to expand access to F1 on Apple TV and give fans across the U.S. a powerful new way to experience the speed and spectacle that the sport delivers.”
Jonathan Fischer, Imax Chief Content Officer, reflected on the success of the film and the future prospects:
“F1: The Movie proved beyond a doubt that the speed, precision, and artistry of Formula 1 translate beautifully to the Imax Experience, and we are very excited to further our collaboration with Apple and offer fans more of what resonated so deeply with that film by presenting live F1 races to them in Imax,”
he said.
“We look forward to working with Apple to amplify its live coverage of Formula 1 and give fans in the U.S. an all-new way to experience this fast-growing sport.”
What This Means for Formula 1’s Presence in the United States
This collaboration highlights Formula 1’s swift rise in popularity across American audiences and leverages cutting-edge technology to deepen fan engagement. By offering live race broadcasts in expansive Imax theaters, fans can enjoy a larger-than-life perspective on the sport’s speed and precision. As Formula 1 continues to expand its U.S. presence with notable events in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, the partnership with Apple TV and Imax sets a new standard for how motorsports content is delivered and experienced.
Looking ahead, these live Imax screenings could encourage broader adoption of immersive viewing platforms and elevate Formula 1’s cultural impact, indicating a promising future for the sport’s fanbase and commercial growth in the American market.
