Formula One racing enters a new era in 2026, with Apple TV as the exclusive streaming home for US viewers under a five-year deal. The season promises intense competition, headlined by reigning champion Lando Norris (McLaren), alongside top contenders like Mercedes’ George Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and the formidable Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The stakes are higher with Cadillac’s entry into the field, fielding a sleek Ferrari-powered car with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. New regulations and technological advancements will reshape the racing experience, but Apple aims to enhance fan engagement through its integrated ecosystem.
Global Racing Amid Geopolitical Concerns
Races will span over a dozen countries, including Spain, the UK, Japan, and the US. However, the season’s launch is overshadowed by heightened safety concerns in the Middle East, where Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are scheduled despite ongoing regional conflicts. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has assured fans that safety remains paramount, with all events under review.
“We continue to monitor developments on the ground, and safety and well-being will guide our decisions across forthcoming events.” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
How to Watch: Apple TV and Beyond
US fans can livestream every race through Apple TV, but the content will also expand to other platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Tubi. Netflix subscribers will gain access to the Canadian Grand Prix starting May 22, while F1 TV Pro—included with Apple TV—offers additional features.
Here’s a snapshot of the March lineup:
- Round 1: Australian Grand Prix, March 6-8
- Round 2: Chinese Grand Prix, March 12-15
- Round 3: Japanese Grand Prix, March 27-29
Immersive Viewing Experience
Apple TV offers a Formula One hub within its app, providing access to live races, practices, sprints, and behind-the-scenes content. Viewers can select from 30 different feeds, including driver data, tracker views, and immersive in-car cameras for a first-person perspective.
Multiview functionality allows simultaneous streaming on up to four screens, with customizable layouts for team-specific or driver-focused experiences. Apple Vision Pro users can expand this to five screens.
Beyond the Track: Apple’s Ecosystem Integration
The F1 experience extends beyond the stream with Apple Sports providing live stats and updates. Apple News will feature dedicated F1 coverage, including real-time race glances. Apple Maps will offer digital guides to race tracks, including landmarks, entry points, and pit lane information.
For audio fans, Apple Music will host live commentaries, DJ mixes, driver playlists, and exclusive F1 podcasts.
The shift to Apple TV is more than just a streaming deal—it’s an ecosystem play. Apple is leveraging its interconnected services to create a comprehensive F1 fan experience, from live races to behind-the-scenes content and immersive viewing options. The season is set to be thrilling, but the geopolitical climate introduces uncertainty, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
