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How to Watch Formula 1 in the United States in 2026 with New Apple Deal Agreed
After their contract with ESPN concluded, Formula 1 has agreed a significant new broadcast deal stateside with Apple TV. This partnership marks a pivotal shift in how American fans will access the sport for the coming years.
A New Era for Formula 1 Broadcasting
Kieran Jackson reported on Friday 06 March 2026 that this development coincides with Netflix revealing the first trailer for Season 8 of F1 Drive to Survive. A brand new era of Formula 1 begins this weekend with the traditional season-opener, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Lando Norris is riding high, having claimed his first F1 world championship last season. He pipped four-time champion Max Verstappen by just two points in a tense season finale in Abu Dhabi. Yet with new engine and chassis regulations, and a new team in Cadillac, McLaren are not the frontrunners ahead of the new campaign.
Instead, Mercedes's engine prowess puts them top of the list, with British driver George Russell emerging as the favourite with the bookies. And what about Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton? The seven-time world champion endured a terrible debut year at the Scuderia, failing even to register a podium. However, the 41-year-old and teammate Charles Leclerc looked strong in pre-season testing and are right in contention this weekend.
Streaming Details and Viewing Options
Here is how you can watch Formula 1 in the United States this season. The Australian Grand Prix schedule is as follows, with all times in EST:
- Friday 6 March/Saturday 7 March: Free practice 3 at 8:30pm
- Qualifying: Midnight on Saturday 7 March
- Race: 11pm on Saturday 7 March
Formula 1 will now be streamed exclusively on Apple TV in the United States. After their deal with ESPN ended, Formula 1 has started a new partnership with Apple TV to be the exclusive home of F1 in the United States until the 2032 season.
Every practice, qualifying, and race session will be streamed on Apple TV. You can stream Apple TV for free by utilising Apple TV's seven-day free trial. Fans can also use the F1 TV platform as it is bundled with an Apple TV subscription at no extra cost.
Subscriptions start at $12.99 per month or $99 per year. Fans will also have the option of watching Sky Sports F1's broadcast, which was previously used by ESPN. If you are travelling abroad and want to watch the Australian Grand Prix, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to assist with that.
