The U.S. Formula 1 streaming change has already happened. ESPN’s 2025 season was its last, and Apple TV became Formula 1’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner beginning with the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. For the simplest way to watch every live session, U.S. viewers now need an Apple TV subscription—not the old ESPN/ABC/ESPN App setup.
The U.S. Formula 1 streaming change has already happened. ESPN’s 2025 season was its last, and Apple TV became Formula 1’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner beginning with the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. For the simplest way to watch every live session, U.S. viewers now need an Apple TV subscription—not the old ESPN/ABC/ESPN App setup.
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This is a five-year partnership beginning in 2026. The practical result is a new division of labor: Apple TV carries the live U.S. F1 package, F1 TV Premium adds advanced viewing tools for Apple TV subscribers, and the free Formula 1 Channel supplies scheduled and delayed programming rather than a complete live replacement.
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What changed for U.S. F1 viewers?
Apple’s partnership was announced on October 17, 2025. Apple published its first-season viewing details on March 5, 2026, while ESPN confirmed on December 10, 2025, that the 2025 campaign had been its final Formula 1 season.
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That means the familiar ESPN, ABC, and ESPN App route no longer carries the 2026 U.S. live F1 package. ESPN had shown all 24 races and the supporting on-track sessions in 2025, but viewers should not assume that an existing ESPN subscription, cable package, or ESPN App login will provide the same access in 2026.
Apple TV is the main way to watch live F1 in the U.S.
A U.S. Apple TV subscription includes the complete live Formula 1 weekend:
- Practice sessions
- Qualifying
- Sprint sessions
- Every Grand Prix
Apple also says the service provides full replays, highlights, driver and team interviews, and press conferences after live events. For someone who wants every session without assembling several services or following a changing cable schedule, Apple TV is the straightforward choice.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAs currently listed, Apple TV costs $12.99 per month after a seven-day free trial. Prices, trial terms, bundles, and promotions can change, so check the offer displayed when you sign up. Apple also makes the service available through Apple One and sometimes includes access with qualifying device-purchase promotions. Those options are alternatives, not automatic discounts for every subscriber.
What do you need to watch Apple TV?
You do not need to buy an Apple TV 4K box. Apple TV is an app-based service that works on many devices, including compatible:
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- Smart TVs
- Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices
- Google TV devices
- PlayStation and Xbox consoles
- iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Android devices
- Computers through a web browser
- Other supported streaming devices and set-top boxes
Optional hardware, not a requirement
You can watch through the Apple TV app on a compatible smart TV, Roku, Fire TV, console, phone, tablet, computer, or web browser. If your television does not support the app—or if you want a dedicated interface—an Apple TV 4K or another supported streaming device is the hardware workaround. Buying the box is not necessary if the app already works on your television.
If you add a dedicated streaming device, you may also need an available HDMI input and a suitable HDMI cable. An Ethernet cable can be useful if you plan to connect the device directly to your router instead of relying on Wi-Fi. Neither accessory is specific to Formula 1, and most viewers will not need anything beyond an internet-connected compatible screen.
F1 TV Premium is the advanced-viewing companion
The Apple arrangement also changes how F1 TV fits into the U.S. market. F1 says F1 TV Premium is included at no additional cost for Apple TV subscribers in the United States. To use it, viewers link their Apple Account to F1 TV and activate the Premium access.
F1 TV Premium is aimed at fans who want more than the conventional broadcast feed. Its enhanced features include:
- Custom multiview layouts
- Onboard cameras
- Team radio
- Live timing and additional data
- Supported 4K UHD and HDR viewing
F1’s 2026 material describes access on up to six devices. That does not mean every feature works identically on every screen: 4K, HDR, multiview, device limits, and other functions can depend on the device, operating system, software version, territory, and current subscription terms.
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For serious F1 fans
If you want multiview, onboard cameras, team radio, live timing, and supported UHD/HDR playback, plan to check the device requirements before buying or upgrading hardware. A television that runs the basic Apple TV app may not support every advanced F1 TV feature at its highest quality.
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Can you watch F1 for free?
Yes, but free access is limited and does not replace the full live Grand Prix package.
Apple’s free sessions and selected races
Apple’s U.S. F1 information says every practice session is available without a subscription, along with a selection of race weekends. The exact free-race lineup is schedule- and promotion-dependent, so check Apple’s current F1 schedule rather than assuming every Grand Prix is included.
In particular, “free practice” should not be confused with free qualifying, Sprint sessions, or every race. The availability of each event can change during the season.
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- Stable & Secure: Built with carbon steel and heavy-duty welds, this wheel stand supports up to 397 lbs without shifting. Thickened steel plates and a reinforced frame ensure ultimate stability, keeping your setup steady during high-speed turns
- Fully Adjustable: Steering wheel height and angle are adjustable, pedals offer 3 angle settings, and the shifter can be swapped left or right. This sim racing stand lets you enjoy a comfortable, realistic driving experience on any track or racing game
- Professional Racing Simulator Cockpit: Ergonomically designed for pro-level performance, this racing simulator cockpit features a fully adjustable backrest from 90° to 135°, letting you customize your driving position for immersive gameplay
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The free Formula 1 Channel
Formula 1 also operates a separate free, ad-supported Formula 1 Channel in the United States. It carries scheduled programming such as:
- Classic Grands Prix
- Documentaries
- Current-season replays
- Highlights
- Analysis
- Live F1 Academy practice, qualifying, and races for the listed rounds under the 2026 arrangement
The channel is available through participating FAST platforms, including Fubo, LG Channels, Plex, Pluto TV, Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, and VIDAA. Availability and the schedule can differ by platform.
The important distinction is that the Formula 1 Channel is a scheduled, ad-supported programming service. It is not the free equivalent of Apple TV’s live coverage of every U.S. Grand Prix. It can be a useful way to watch replays, highlights, documentaries, and selected F1 Academy events, but viewers who want to follow every live F1 session still need the Apple TV route.
Which option is right for you?
| Your priority | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Every live practice, qualifying session, Sprint, and Grand Prix | Apple TV | The main U.S. live broadcast package; currently listed at $12.99 per month after a seven-day trial. |
| Onboard cameras, team radio, data, and multiview | Apple TV plus included F1 TV Premium | Link your Apple Account to F1 TV; advanced features depend on device and current terms. |
| Occasional viewing without paying for every weekend | Apple’s free sessions and selected races | Check the current lineup because free race availability can change. |
| Free replays, highlights, classic races, and documentaries | Formula 1 Channel | Available on participating FAST services; programming is scheduled or delayed, not a full live Grand Prix replacement. |
| You already own a compatible smart TV, phone, console, or streaming stick | Apple TV app | No Apple TV 4K box is required. |
| Your television does not support the app | Apple TV 4K or another supported streaming device | Use the device as an optional way to put the Apple TV app on the television. |
How to set up F1 viewing for the 2026 season
- Check your screen first. Search your smart TV, streaming device, or game console for the Apple TV app. You may already have everything necessary.
- Confirm the U.S. subscription offer. The currently listed price is $12.99 per month after a seven-day free trial, but verify the price and terms at sign-up.
- Install or open Apple TV. Sign in with your Apple Account and confirm that your device and internet connection are ready for live streaming.
- Use the Apple TV F1 section for the live weekend. This is where you should look for practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and the Grand Prix.
- Activate F1 TV Premium if you want the extra feeds. Link the Apple Account associated with your Apple TV subscription to F1 TV and follow the activation instructions.
- Test your setup before race day. Check the app, audio, login, display quality, and any desired multiview or onboard-camera features during practice rather than waiting for the start.
- Use the Formula 1 Channel for free scheduled content. Look for it inside a participating FAST platform when you want replays, highlights, documentaries, analysis, or listed F1 Academy events.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming ESPN still carries the 2026 package
ESPN’s final F1 season was 2025. An ESPN subscription or app login is not the current answer for the 2026 U.S. live package.
Buying an Apple TV 4K before checking your television
The Apple TV service and the Apple TV 4K hardware box are different things. Check whether your existing television, streaming stick, console, phone, or computer supports the app first.
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- 【Special Note】Not include steering wheel pedals handbrake monitor
Expecting every F1 TV Premium feature on every device
Premium access does not guarantee identical resolution, HDR, multiview, or data features across all hardware. Device capability and software matter.
Confusing the Formula 1 Channel with live race coverage
The free channel is valuable for scheduled programming and delayed content, but it is not a full free replacement for Apple TV’s live Grand Prix coverage.
Assuming an Apple TV subscription includes everything in the app
An Apple TV subscription does not automatically include unrelated third-party channels, rental content, or every item offered through the broader Apple TV interface. Those can be separate purchases or subscriptions.
Using a VPN as an assumed solution
U.S. rights and geographic restrictions apply. The official information establishes the U.S. services and their limitations; it does not establish VPN use as an authorized viewing path. Do not treat a VPN as a guaranteed or rights-compliant substitute for the available U.S. services.
Bottom line for U.S. viewers
The change is no longer upcoming: Apple TV is the U.S. live home for Formula 1 starting with the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. Subscribe to Apple TV if you want every live session, then activate the included F1 TV Premium benefit if you want onboard cameras, team radio, live timing, and multiview. If you only want occasional or delayed content, check Apple’s free offerings and the separate Formula 1 Channel—but neither should be mistaken for the complete live Grand Prix package.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ESPN’s 2025 campaign was its final Formula 1 season. Apple TV became the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner beginning with the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
Is Formula 1 on ESPN in the U.S. in 2026?
Apple currently lists the U.S. subscription at $12.99 per month after a seven-day free trial. Prices, trials, and promotions can change.
How much does it cost to watch F1 on Apple TV?
No. The Apple TV app works on many smart TVs, Roku and Fire TV devices, Google TV, game consoles, phones, tablets, computers, and other supported devices.
Do I need an Apple TV 4K box to watch Formula 1?
F1 says F1 TV Premium is included at no additional cost for U.S. Apple TV subscribers. You must link your Apple Account to F1 TV to activate it, and feature availability depends on the device and current terms.
Is F1 TV Premium included with Apple TV in the U.S.?
No. Apple offers every practice session and a selected number of race weekends without a subscription, while the free Formula 1 Channel carries scheduled and delayed programming. The complete live Grand Prix package is on Apple TV.
Can I watch every F1 race for free?
The Bottom Line
For every live 2026 F1 session in the U.S., use Apple TV. F1 TV Premium is an included advanced-viewing companion for Apple TV subscribers, while the free Formula 1 Channel and selected free Apple programming cover only limited or scheduled content. Check your existing TV or streaming device before buying an Apple TV 4K box.
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