Formula 1 fans in the United States will soon have a new home for live racing, as Apple has officially become the exclusive broadcaster for the sport through its streaming platform.
From 2026, viewers in the US will be able to watch every Grand Prix, Sprint race, qualifying, and practice session live on Apple TV.
According to Apple’s official newsroom, the tech company and Formula 1 have signed a five-year partnership that will bring full Formula 1 coverage to Apple TV starting with the 2026 season.
The agreement follows the global success of F1: The Movie, an Apple Original Film starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, which became the highest-grossing sports film of all time.
Apple’s senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, described the deal as a landmark move for the sport and for Apple’s streaming service.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the US front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” Cue said.
He added that the 2026 season will mark “a transformative new era” for Formula 1, featuring new regulations, new teams, and advanced hybrid engines designed to make racing more sustainable.
As part of the agreement, Apple TV will host all Formula 1 sessions live, while select races and practice sessions will be available for free in the Apple TV app.
The Apple Sports app for iPhone will also provide live updates, real-time leaderboards, driver standings, and lock-screen widgets to help fans follow the action throughout the season.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the partnership would help expand the sport’s reach in one of its fastest-growing markets.
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Apple and the whole of Formula 1 that will ensure we continue to grow with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” Domenicali said.
He credited Apple for its “vision and passion” in delivering high-quality fan experiences and hinted that additional interactive features would be introduced in the coming months.
For South African Formula 1 fans, the announcement comes with a limitation. The exclusive broadcast rights apply only to the US, meaning local audiences will continue to rely on existing broadcasters and subscription platforms for live coverage.
Apple has not announced any plans to extend the Formula 1 streaming deal beyond the US, although it has stated that it aims to expand its live sports offering internationally over time.
Apple TV is available in more than 100 countries, including South Africa, across iPhones, iPads, Macs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
However, due to regional licensing agreements, the Formula 1 live stream will remain a US-exclusive feature for now.
