Beginning with the 2026 season, all Formula 1 races, including Grand Prix events, qualifying rounds, and practice sessions held in the United States, will be exclusively available through Apple TV. This shift means that viewers in the U.S. must have an Apple TV subscription to watch any Formula 1 content live or on demand.
Previously, Formula 1 coverage in the United States was broadcast live on ESPN via cable and could also be streamed on the F1.TV platform. However, with the new arrangement from 2026 onward, ESPN will no longer air any Formula 1 races, as Apple takes on exclusive broadcast rights. Subscribers can watch through the Apple TV app on compatible devices or via the web at tv.apple.com, while continuing to access F1.TV features linked to their Apple subscription.
Pricing and Subscription Options for Apple TV
Apple TV streaming services cost $12.99 per month or $99 per year. New subscribers can begin with the monthly plan and then switch to the annual plan through their subscription settings to save money. A seven-day free trial is available for first-time users. Additionally, Apple One bundles include Apple TV alongside services like Apple Music and iCloud storage, starting at $19.95 per month.
One subscription supports Family Sharing, allowing up to six users to access Apple TV. Students can benefit from Apple Music’s Student Plan, which includes Apple TV at no extra cost. Some mobile carriers also offer Apple TV either free or at a discount within their plans. All subscribers have access to all Formula 1 live coverage and on-demand content in 4K quality without additional fees or premium tiers.
Accessing Formula 1 Coverage on Apple TV
During race weekends, Apple TV provides a dedicated Formula 1 section within its app, offering live streams of races and alternative camera feeds such as driver onboard views. The 2026 calendar includes 24 races beginning March 7, each weekend featuring practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix race on Sunday.
Notably, all practice sessions will be available to stream for free, even to those without an Apple TV subscription, offering newcomers a glimpse of the sport. Live races and qualifying sessions require a subscription, but all content will remain accessible on demand after airing. There will also be exclusive supplementary programming throughout the season.
Best Devices and Features for Streaming Formula 1
The Apple TV app supports a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android smartphones and tablets, Windows PCs, as well as leading gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Viewers can also stream directly via the web browser at tv.apple.com.
For optimal viewing quality, the Apple TV 4K set-top box is recommended as it delivers the highest audio and video quality. It also supports the Multiview feature, allowing viewers to watch up to four different streams simultaneously, enhancing the race-day experience with multiple perspectives.
Integrating F1.TV with Your Apple TV Subscription
Longtime Formula 1 fans accustomed to F1.TV can still enjoy the platform’s premium content by connecting their Apple TV subscription. F1.TV Premium, which was previously a separate $129-per-year subscription, is now included free with Apple TV. To link accounts, users open the F1.TV app or visit the activation page to connect their F1.TV and Apple accounts.
This linkage permits fans to continue accessing historical race archives and lower-tier racing series that may not be streamed through the Apple TV app. For example, pre-season testing sessions held on February 11–13 and February 18–20 require using F1.TV through this linked setup. Existing F1.TV subscribers can maintain their current subscriptions until expiration but will not be able to renew independently after that.
Subscribers who obtain Apple TV through Amazon Prime will need to first associate their Prime subscription with their Apple account before linking to F1.TV services.
Changing Landscape of Formula 1 Broadcasting in the U.S.
This transition to Apple TV marks a major change in how Formula 1 is consumed in the U.S. The move away from ESPN’s traditional cable coverage to a single streaming partner aligns with broader shifts in sports broadcasting toward direct-to-consumer digital platforms. This change may affect casual viewers who are not yet subscribed to Apple TV but opens doors to new interactive features and high-quality streaming for dedicated fans.
The availability of free practice session streams offers an accessible entry point for new viewers, while the integration of F1.TV’s expansive content allows long-time followers comprehensive access to premium and historical racing material. As the 2026 season approaches, fans are encouraged to evaluate their viewing setups and subscription options to enjoy the full Formula 1 experience.
