Apple TV Launches Dedicated F1 Channel Ahead of 2026 U.S. Broadcast Takeover

Apple TV has officially launched its dedicated Formula 1 channel, marking the first step in its new five-year exclusive U.S. broadcast rights deal set to begin with the 2026 season. The channel is now live for subscribers, offering a hub for live sessions, highlights, and original content as the tech giant prepares to take over from ESPN.

Why it matters:

This move represents a significant shift in how F1 is broadcast in one of its most critical growth markets. Apple's deep integration into its ecosystem and focus on premium content could reshape the fan experience, setting a new standard for accessibility and production value as the sport continues its American expansion.

The details:

• Access & Pricing: Apple TV+ subscribers ($12.99/month or $99/year) will get full access to every practice, qualifying, sprint, and Grand Prix session starting in 2026. Non-subscribers will have access to 'select races' and all practice sessions.
• Channel Features: The dedicated channel appears in the Apple TV app sidebar, website header, and iPhone search tab. It already houses content like the Weekend Warm-up show, schedules for the Australian GP weekend, and highlights from 2025 races.
• Content Library: The platform will provide access to previous and upcoming races alongside supplemental programming, creating a centralized, year-round destination for F1 fans.
• Deal Background: Apple secured the U.S. rights in October 2025, signing a five-year contract. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali cited a "shared vision" to grow the sport through innovative distribution and engaging content, building on their collaboration for the F1 movie.

What's next:

The 2026 season will be the first full campaign under this new partnership. All eyes will be on Apple's production quality, additional features (like potential multi-view or in-car camera integrations), and its strategy to convert casual viewers into dedicated subscribers. This deal could prompt other broadcasters and streaming services to reevaluate their approach to live sports coverage.