Apple TV has entered an exclusive deal to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States starting with the 2026 season. This agreement will allow Apple TV subscribers to access all Grand Prix, qualifying, and practice sessions, marking a significant shift in how fans engage with the sport.
The subscription for Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month or $99 annually, with a seven-day free trial available for new signups. Notably, Apple TV subscribers will also receive F1.TV Premium as a complimentary perk, enhancing the viewing experience.
This broadcasting deal is set to run through 2032 and may be extended depending on its success. All practice sessions for Formula 1 will be streamed for free on Apple TV, but the Formula 1 hub will only be accessible in the United States region.
Before 2026, Formula 1 was broadcast live on ESPN in the US, making this transition to Apple TV a significant change for fans. As a result of new power unit regulations, drivers are now forced to prioritize system survival over flat-out racing, leading to a performance gap between teams that has widened to over three seconds.
Qualifying sessions have shifted focus from absolute speed to strategic management of electrical power, as highlighted by drivers like Charles Leclerc, who noted that “qualifying sessions are no longer about absolute speed, but rather the strategic management of electrical power.” This change reflects a broader trend in the sport, where the variance in performance between cars, even those sharing the same engine architecture, has become extreme, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer.
The reliance on energy management threatens to erode the direct competition that once defined motorsport, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. As the 2026 season approaches, the implications of these changes will become clearer.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these broadcasting changes will affect the overall viewing experience and fan engagement with Formula 1 in the United States.
