How to watch the Australian Grand Prix ⢠in the US: the complete guide for the F1 ⢠season opener
The Australian Grand Prix⢠marks the electrifying start to the 2026 Formula 1⢠season, drawing millions of US fans eager for high-speed action at Melbourne's Albert Park. With Apple's groundbreaking exclusive broadcast deal kicking off this year, watching the Australian Grand Prix in the US has never been simpler or more immersiveâall via Apple TV.
Apple TV takes over F1⢠broadcasting in the US
Apple secured a massive five-year exclusive rights deal for Formula 1 in the United States starting with the 2026 season, announced back in October 2025 following their successful F1 movie collaboration with Brad Pitt. This partnership, valued at around $750 million or $150 million annually, replaces ESPN as the sole broadcaster, bringing every sessionâfrom free practices and qualifying to Sprint races and Grands Prixâdirectly to Apple TV subscribers without any additional fees beyond the standard $12.99 monthly plan.
US fans, whose F1 audience exploded to over 52 million in 2024, can now enjoy premium features like multi-view camera angles, live onboard feeds from drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, team radio chatter, real-time telemetry data, and interactive live timing graphicsâall integrated seamlessly into the Apple TV app. This move positions Apple TV as the ultimate destination for "where to watch Australian Grand Prix in the US," capitalizing on F1's surging popularity stateside fueled by Netflix's Drive to Survive and star-studded races like Miami and Las Vegas.
Apple TV streams in stunning 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos audio, perfect for recapturing the roar of V6 hybrid engines transitioning to sustainable fuels under the new 2026 regulations. Watch it everywhere on all Apple devices, as well as Android, Smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and on the web.
Sign up to Apple TV here and get a 7-day free trial!
2026 Australian GP: key dates and US viewing times
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix unfolds from March 6-8 at Albert Park, promising chaos with overtakes on the iconic lake circuit and potential wet-weather drama. For East Coast US viewers (ET timezone), expect Free Practice 1 on Friday, March 6 at 1:30 PM, followed by Practice 2 at 5:00 PM the same day. Saturday, March 7 brings Free Practice 3 at 1:30 AM, Qualifying at 5:00 AM, setting the grid for Sunday's main event race starting at 3:00 AM ET on March 8âadjust accordingly for Pacific Time or other zones. These early morning slots mean coffee-fueled watch parties, but Apple TV's rewind, pause, and multiview make it flexible for replaying pivotal moments like pit-stop battles or last-lap duels.
As the season opener under revamped aero rules and active aero tech, expect fireworks from title contenders adapting to the gridâwill Red Bull dominate again, or will Ferrari and McLaren strike back? Apple TV's coverage ensures you catch every nuance, from strategy breakdowns to post-race interviews, all ad-free and on-demand.
Why choose Apple TV for F1? Features US fans love
Apple TV stands out with US-exclusive perks. Free previews let non-subscribers sample practice sessions and select races, but full access unlocks the vault: 20-camera multiview on big screens, customizable data overlays, and even AR race trackers via iOS apps. Compared to past ESPN bundles or international VPN hassles, this is streamlinedâno blackouts, no regional locks, just pure racing.
Unlock F1 with Apple TV
Ready to experience the 2026 Australian GP like never before? Sign up for Apple TV today through this link and snag a 7-day free trial to test the platform ahead of March. Bundle it with MLS Season Pass for more soccer-action vibes or dive into the F1 movie universe with the Brad Pitt sequel looming. New subscribers get instant access to F1 archives, highlights, and global hubs, ensuring you're primed for all 24 races.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.