Get ready for a seismic shift in how Formula 1 fans in the U.S. watch their favorite sport! Apple TV is taking the wheel, and it’s not just about streaming races—it’s about redefining the viewing experience. Today marked the final race of the 2025 F1 Championship, and with it, the end of ESPN’s era as the broadcaster in the United States. Starting next year, Apple steps in as the exclusive home for F1, streaming every race as part of its Apple TV+ subscription. But here’s where it gets exciting: Apple has just dropped a sneak peek via a social media ad (https://x.com/AppleTV/status/1997705160533967051), giving us a glimpse of what the F1 channel will look like within the TV app—and it’s a game-changer.
As a quick refresher, Apple inked a five-year deal to become the sole broadcast partner for F1 in the U.S., kicking off with the 2026 season. The first race weekend is set for March 6-8, but don’t worry—the service will likely launch in the TV app earlier, complete with preseason content. And the best part? All Formula 1 content will be included at no extra cost with an Apple TV+ subscription (https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus).
But here’s where it gets controversial: Apple isn’t just streaming races—they’re elevating the experience. The TV app will feature all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprints, and Grand Prix events, but what’s stealing the spotlight is the inclusion of onboard driver cams. Yes, the same feature that once required a separate F1.TV subscription will now be part of your Apple TV+ package. Plus, Multiview support (available on Apple TV set-top boxes, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro) lets you watch multiple perspectives simultaneously—a dream come true for die-hard fans.
And this is the part most people miss: Apple has hinted at upcoming “production details” and “product enhancements,” suggesting the TV app will only get better over time. But what if you’re a hardcore fan who wants the full F1.TV experience? No worries. You can still use your Apple TV account to log into the F1.TV website or apps, retaining access to all the features you love—but now, it’s essentially a ‘free’ perk of your Apple TV+ subscription.
Speaking of subscriptions, Apple TV+ currently costs $12.99 per month (https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus) or $99 annually. For even more value, consider the Apple One bundle (http://one.apple.com/?at=10l3Qe&itscg=30200), which includes Apple TV+ at a discounted rate, along with iCloud storage and other Apple services.
Here’s the burning question: Will Apple’s takeover of F1 streaming live up to the hype, or will it leave some fans longing for the old days? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And remember, as we transition into this new era, one thing’s for sure—the way we watch F1 will never be the same.
FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More. (https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)
