Apple is set to officially launch its partnership with Formula 1 by streaming the Australian Grand Prix on March 7, 2026. This event marks a significant expansion for Apple TV, allowing subscribers in the United States to access live coverage of F1 races. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, describing Formula 1 as “unscripted drama at its best.”
This new streaming experience will provide comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, including pre-race analysis, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and post-race discussions. According to Cue, all Apple TV subscribers in the US will have access to this extensive content, which will be presented in high quality with 4K resolution and 5.1 audio. Viewers can also choose from up to 30 unique viewpoints, including fixed cameras and driver perspectives.
Enhanced Viewing Experience on Apple TV
The interface for the F1 streaming service is designed to integrate seamlessly into the Apple TV app. On race days, it will be prominently featured, allowing users to easily access live broadcasts. Cue highlighted the innovative features of the service, including a multi-view option that enables viewers to create personalized layouts. This feature will be available not only on traditional screens but also on the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset.
While Apple has not confirmed whether the Formula 1 content will be included in the Apple Immersive Video format, it has upgraded the multi-view capability on the spatial computer to support up to five simultaneous views. This technology is already being utilized for select NBA games, suggesting that a similar experience might be available for Formula 1 in the future.
In addition to live race coverage, Apple’s partnership will enhance its services across the board. Users can expect detailed views of race courses in Apple Maps, dedicated sections in Apple News, themed playlists in Apple Music, and related podcasts, ensuring a comprehensive F1 experience.
Collaboration with Netflix for Drive to Survive
In a notable development, Cue announced a collaboration with Netflix to make the latest season of the popular series Drive to Survive available for streaming on both platforms. The new season is set to premiere on February 27, 2026, and will be accessible within the Apple TV app for subscribers, alongside its availability on Netflix.
Cue acknowledged Netflix’s pivotal role in popularizing Formula 1 through the series, stating, “We’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing US fans on both Netflix and Apple TV.” This collaboration represents a strategic move to attract a wider audience to the sport and to Apple’s streaming services.
As the partnership unfolds, Apple is expected to enhance its F1 offerings by rapidly introducing new features and technologies. The company has a history of refining its services, as seen with its Friday Night Baseball and MLS Season Pass initiatives. This approach hints at the possibility of innovative camera systems or even iPhone-based rigs being integrated into live broadcasts, further enriching the viewing experience.
With this new venture, Apple aims to expand Formula 1’s reach in the US significantly. By bundling F1 coverage into its existing Apple TV+ subscription, the company is poised to attract motorsport enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. For Apple TV subscribers, the Australian Grand Prix on March 7, 2026, will serve as the starting point for this exciting new chapter in sports streaming.
