It was fittingly announced this past week during the United States Grand Prix that Apple will be the official broadcaster for the United States of America for the next five years beginning with the 2026 season.
What does this mean for US Formula One fans? If this is your first time experiencing a Formula One media sale, this breakdown can help you to better understand what this means for you, the viewer, and more importantly, where you will watch the exciting 2026 Formula One season.
What exactly sold and how?
The Formula One Championship is made up of two parts: the Fédération Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA), which regulates the sport, and the Formula One Management (FOM), which holds all media rights to Formula One and decides who gets to broadcast any media from the race.
The FOM also has their own content channel known as F1 TV, which we will get more into later.
For the past eight years, American Formula One fans watched all free practices, qualifying, sprints, and races through ESPN as Disney held the media rights. Starting in 2026, US fans will instead watch through Apple TV ( formerly known as Apple TV+) subscription. Some races will be available for free on Apple TV, but to watch all sessions, including practices, qualifying, sprint races, and Sunday races, viewers will need an Apple TV subscription. Access to F1 TV Premium will be included with this subscription, so users will still have access to Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula One Academy.
Answering common questions across social media.
Will I need to purchase a physical Apple TV to watch the 2026 F1 Season?
No. You will, however, need an Apple TV subscription, which at the time of writing costs 12.99 USD monthly.
Does this apply to all North America?
No, just in the United States of America.
What if my F1TV subscription does not end until after broadcasting switches over?
If you are someone with an annual plan, you will still have access until your current plan is over. You will not be able to renew through F1TV and will need to sign up for Apple TV.
Will I need to change my current F1 TV or F1 TV Premium subscription? How do I switch over?
The switch to Apple TV Plus will be simple. All you will need to do is link your current F1 TV account to your Apple ID that has an active Apple TV subscription.
