Apple TV Redefines U.S. Formula 1: F1 The Movie Smashes Records, Exclusive Racing Coverage Begins March 2026

Quick Read

• F1 The Movie streams on Apple TV starting December 12, 2025, after breaking box office records.
• Apple TV secures exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for all Formula 1 races from March 2026, replacing ESPN.
• The five-year deal is valued at $750 million, reflecting F1’s surging American fanbase.
• Apple’s coverage includes all races, qualifying, and practice sessions, with some content available for free.
• Formula 1 content will integrate across Apple’s ecosystem, including News, Sports app, Music, and Fitness+.

F1 The Movie Sets Box Office History Ahead of Apple TV Debut

On December 12, 2025, Apple TV is set to premiere F1 The Movie, a film that’s already taken the world by storm. Starring Brad Pitt as the fictional Formula 1 legend Sonny Hayes, the movie chronicles his dramatic comeback with an underdog team. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Hollywood heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton, the film has become the highest-grossing sports movie ever, pulling in a staggering $629 million at the global box office. The critical response is equally impressive: a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore mark it as one of the biggest live-action openings in five years, not to mention Brad Pitt’s career-best feature.

For many, the film isn’t just entertainment—it’s a gateway. As millions tune in for the holiday release, a new generation of fans will get their first taste of Formula 1’s high-speed drama, setting the stage for Apple TV’s next strategic move.

Apple TV Locks Down Exclusive Formula 1 Coverage: What Changes in 2026?

Apple’s ambitions go far beyond Hollywood. Back in October 2025, Apple and Formula 1 announced a groundbreaking five-year partnership that hands Apple TV exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to all Formula 1 races starting in March 2026. The deal, reportedly worth $750 million, marks the biggest sports play in Apple’s history and signals a new era for American motorsports coverage.

For U.S. fans, this means a full shift: ESPN, the current broadcaster, steps aside after its agreement ends. Starting March 7, 2026, with the Australian Grand Prix, Apple TV will be the only place to stream all Grand Prix races, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and Sprint events. Select races and all practice sessions will even be available for free in the Apple TV app, broadening access for casual viewers. Existing F1 TV Premium subscribers won’t pay extra—Apple TV integration ensures a seamless transition.

Apple’s strategy is clear: create not just a streaming destination, but an integrated, cross-platform experience. Formula 1 content will extend across Apple News (for updates and analysis), the Apple Sports app (with live leaderboards and standings visible right on your iPhone’s Lock Screen), Apple Music, and Fitness+ (with themed content and programming).

Why Apple’s F1 Bet Makes Sense: The U.S. Fanbase Is Exploding

Apple’s $750 million investment isn’t just about exclusivity—it’s about capturing a rapidly expanding audience. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, the U.S. fanbase has doubled since 2022, reaching 52 million. Crucially, 47% of new fans are aged 18-24, and more than half are female—a demographic Apple knows well and targets aggressively across its services.

This surge in interest is partly thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, which has brought the sport’s personalities and drama into mainstream American culture. Celebrity drivers like Lewis Hamilton have fueled this momentum, drawing in fans who crave both speed and story. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, summarized it best: “2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world.”

The End of ESPN’s F1 Era: How Viewing Will Change for U.S. Fans

For years, American F1 fans have navigated a patchwork of cable channels and streaming options via ESPN. Races were sometimes relegated to secondary channels, or only available online. With Apple TV’s exclusive rights, every race—24 Grand Prix events per season—will be accessible to subscribers in a single, unified experience. Fans will no longer need cable bundles or multiple apps; everything will be available through Apple’s ecosystem, with additional features like real-time stats, leaderboards, and news alerts.

For those who discover F1 The Movie over the holidays, the timing couldn’t be better. New fans can immerse themselves in the sport’s cinematic thrills, then transition straight into live racing when the season kicks off in March 2026. This seamless handoff could be the catalyst for unprecedented growth in American F1 viewership.

Cross-Platform Integration: More Than Just Streaming

Apple isn’t simply broadcasting races—it’s weaving Formula 1 into the fabric of its digital universe. The Apple Sports app will offer live updates for every session, with leaderboards and standings at your fingertips. Apple News will deliver analysis, interviews, and breaking developments throughout the season. Even Apple Music and Fitness+ will feature F1-themed playlists and workouts, reinforcing the sport’s presence in everyday life.

This ecosystem approach is designed to keep fans engaged beyond race weekends, turning Formula 1 into a year-round experience. Whether you’re tracking your favorite driver’s stats on your phone, reading the latest team news, or working out with an F1-inspired routine, Apple wants to make sure F1 is never more than a tap away.

What’s Next for Formula 1 and Apple TV?

With the launch of F1 The Movie and the start of exclusive coverage, Apple is betting big on the future of motorsports entertainment in America. The company’s investment is not just financial—it’s a vision for how sports can be experienced in the digital age. As new regulations and teams debut in 2026, and as more fans find their way to the sport through Apple’s platforms, the landscape of American Formula 1 may be changed for good.

For now, the countdown is on. F1 The Movie streams December 12, and the Australian Grand Prix launches Apple TV’s exclusive F1 era on March 7. The intersection of film, technology, and live sport has never looked quite like this.

Apple’s strategic embrace of Formula 1, anchored by the record-breaking F1 The Movie and an ambitious five-year broadcast deal, demonstrates how tech giants can redefine sports fandom. By integrating F1 across its ecosystem and capitalizing on a surging, diverse U.S. fanbase, Apple sets a new standard for immersive, accessible sports entertainment. The true impact will be measured by how deeply American audiences connect with Formula 1—beyond just the races, but as a culture and community.