Apple TV's F1 takeover begins: a new era for American motorsport fans

The 2026 Formula 1 season marks a watershed moment for American motorsport enthusiasts. Apple TV has assumed exclusive broadcast rights for all Formula 1 content in the United States, ending ESPN's decades-long tenure as the sport's primary distributor. This five-year partnership, announced in October 2025, represents far more than a simple shift in streaming platforms—it signals Apple's ambitious vision to fundamentally reshape how North American audiences consume elite motorsport.

With the Australian Grand Prix set to launch the calendar on March 7, 2026, Apple is already building momentum through curated pre-season programming available within its Apple TV app. The tech giant's strategic content rollout demonstrates a deliberate approach to cultivating fan engagement ahead of the season's maiden event.

The "Get ready for Formula 1" initiative

To capitalize on anticipation preceding the campaign's commencement, Apple has introduced a dedicated section titled "Get Ready for Formula 1 on Apple TV" across its streaming platform. This curated hub features an extensive array of content designed to educate, entertain, and energize the American motorsport community.

The pre-season offerings include:

• Livery Reveals: Technical breakdowns of team liveries, including coverage of Red Bull's design
• 2026 F1 Rule Changes: Comprehensive analysis of aerodynamic tweaks and power unit updates that define the technical landscape
• A New Era of F1: Documentary-style content exploring the sport's evolution and Apple's transformative role
• Grand Prix Schedule: Complete calendar detailing all 24 races from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi
• 2025 Season Review & Archives: Retrospective content including the championship-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and driver features

These videos are presented as native playlists within the app, allowing seamless progression from one segment to another. This user-centric design reflects Apple's broader philosophy regarding sports partnerships, as articulated by Jim DeLorenzo, the company's global head of sports. He emphasized that Apple's F1 collaboration extends "beyond Apple Sports or Apple Video"—it represents a comprehensive deployment of the entire corporate ecosystem.

Accessibility and pricing structure

A cornerstone of Apple's F1 strategy centers on democratizing access to the sport. While comprehensive coverage requires an Apple TV subscription—priced at $12.99 monthly or available through the discounted Apple One bundle—select races and all practice sessions will remain free throughout the season. This hybrid model balances commercial viability with fan accessibility, positioning Formula 1 as more attainable for casual viewers exploring the sport.

Apple TV subscribers gain access to F1 TV Premium, the sport's premier content offering, at no additional cost. This integration eliminates fragmented viewing experiences and consolidates Formula 1 content within a single platform.

A comprehensive multimedia approach

Beyond traditional broadcast streaming, Apple is leveraging its diversified technological infrastructure to enhance the Formula 1 experience. The company's free Apple Sports app for iPhone delivers real-time updates for every qualifying session, Sprint race, and Grand Prix, complete with live leaderboards, season standings, Lock Screen Live Activities, and dedicated Home Screen widgets. Additionally, Formula 1 content will permeate Apple News, Apple Maps, and Apple Music, creating integrated touchpoints throughout the user ecosystem.

This omnichannel distribution strategy reflects Apple's conviction that premier sports broadcasting transcends traditional television mechanics—it requires seamless integration across consumer touchpoints.

The stakes of 2026

The inaugural year of Apple's partnership coincides with significant regulatory and competitive transformation. The 2026 season introduces revolutionary power unit regulations, aerodynamic modifications, and the entry of new constructors, creating a genuinely unpredictable competitive environment. For American viewers, Apple's comprehensive coverage—combined with accessible pre-season education—positions casual audiences to meaningfully engage with this transitional moment in the sport's evolution.

With over a month remaining before the Australian Grand Prix, expect additional pre-season content to populate the Apple TV app, establishing the platform as the authoritative hub for Formula 1 in North America.