Get ready for a seismic shift in how Formula 1 fans in the U.S. watch their favorite sport. The era of ESPN broadcasting F1 races is officially over, and Apple is stepping in with a game-changing streaming deal that promises to revolutionize the viewing experience. But here's where it gets exciting: Apple TV’s new F1 channel isn’t just a simple broadcast takeover—it’s a feature-rich, immersive experience that’s already sparking buzz among fans.
Today marked the final race of the 2025 F1 Championship and ESPN’s last hurrah in the U.S. Starting next year, Apple will stream every race as part of its Apple TV+ subscription. To kick things off, Apple dropped a sleek social media ad (https://x.com/AppleTV/status/1997705160533967051) offering a sneak peek at the F1 channel’s interface within the TV app. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the races—it’s about the entire F1 ecosystem.
As a quick refresher, Apple secured a five-year exclusive partnership with F1 in the U.S., beginning with the 2026 season. The first race weekend is set for March 6-8, but the service is expected to launch in the TV app even earlier, complete with preseason content. Here’s the kicker: all Formula 1 content will be included at no extra cost with an Apple TV+ subscription (https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus).
Apple has already confirmed that the TV app will stream every practice, qualifying, sprint, and Grand Prix session throughout the season. But here’s where it gets controversial: the platform will also feature onboard driver cams with Multiview support, allowing fans to watch multiple perspectives simultaneously during a race. (For the tech-savvy, Multiview is compatible with Apple TV set-top boxes, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro—assuming no changes to device compatibility.)
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: driver onboard cams. Historically, U.S. fans had to subscribe to F1.TV to access this feature. With Apple’s deal, it’s now bundled into your Apple TV+ subscription. But is this a win for all fans? Some argue that while it’s convenient, it might dilute the exclusivity F1.TV once offered. Apple has hinted at more “production details” and “product enhancements” coming soon, so expect additional features to roll out over time.
Here’s the good news for hardcore fans: you’re not limited to what’s available in the TV app. You can use your Apple TV account to log into the F1.TV website or apps, retaining access to the full F1.TV experience. The difference? Instead of paying a separate subscription for F1.TV, it’s now a ‘free’ perk of your Apple TV+ membership.
Currently, Apple TV+ costs $12.99 per month (https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus) or $99 annually. For those looking to maximize value, the Apple One bundle (http://one.apple.com/?at=10l3Qe&itscg=30200) offers Apple TV+ at a discounted rate, along with iCloud storage and other Apple services.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is Apple’s F1 streaming deal a game-changer, or does it risk oversimplifying the viewing experience for die-hard fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And remember, as we gear up for the 2026 season, this is just the beginning of a new era in F1 streaming.
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