Following the success of the 2025 Brad Pitt film centered on Formula 1, interest in the sport has surged in the United States. Starting with the 2026 season, American viewers will not only be able to watch Formula 1 races on Apple TV but will also have the option to experience five select Grand Prix events live in IMAX theaters across the country. This collaboration between Apple and IMAX aims to deliver the thrilling speed and immersive visuals of Formula 1 through large-format screens in at least 50 theaters nationwide.
Scheduled Formula 1 Grand Prix Available in IMAX Cinemas
The live broadcasts in IMAX theaters will cover these five Grand Prix races during the 2026 Formula 1 calendar:
1. Miami Grand Prix – May 3
2. Monaco Grand Prix – June 7
3. British Grand Prix (Silverstone) – July 5
4. Italian Grand Prix (Monza) – September 6
5. United States Grand Prix (Austin) – October 25
This selection highlights prominent venues and popular races, offering fans an opportunity to catch key moments of the season on expansive screens, enhancing the experience compared to traditional home viewing.
IMAX Movie Connection Elevates the Live Viewing Experience
The interest from IMAX stems partly from the acclaim for the 2025 Formula 1 film by director Joe Kosinski, which was wholly shot using IMAX technology. The company’s Chief of Content reflected on the film’s impact:
Joe Kosinski’s brilliant F1 movie proved beyond a doubt that the speed, precision, and artistry of Formula 1 translate beautifully to the Imax Experience
Plans for a sequel to the movie are reportedly underway, indicating continued investment in high-quality Formula 1 content that takes full advantage of the IMAX format.
Potential Expansion and Viewer Engagement
This initiative currently applies exclusively to the United States, but it raises questions about whether similar broadcasts could eventually be offered internationally. The prospect of watching live Formula 1 racing in IMAX theaters opens new avenues for fan engagement, combining the cinematic quality with real-time sports excitement. Fans across different countries may hope for such options in their local markets as the partnership between Apple and IMAX evolves in coming seasons.
