Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2026: Apple TV Offers Exclusive Live Coverage and Immersive Race-Day Experiences
Formula 1® returns to the United States this weekend for the FORMULA 1® MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ 2026, with Apple TV providing exclusive live and on-demand coverage for viewers across the country. Fans can follow every session of the race weekend, from practice and qualifying to the main Grand Prix, alongside original programming, expert analysis, and interactive viewing features.
As the championship enters the final quarter of the season, the competition intensifies. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is among the key names to watch, with the possibility of securing his first Drivers’ Championship and becoming the youngest champion in Formula 1 history. Teams and drivers will face another demanding test at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, where the results could significantly influence the championship battle.
The race weekend begins on Friday, October 23, with Practice 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET and Practice 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Saturday, October 24, features Practice 3 at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. ET. The United States Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m. ET.
Apple TV Becomes the Destination for F1 Fans in the U.S.
Apple TV offers U.S. subscribers comprehensive Formula 1 coverage, combining live broadcasts, expert commentary, detailed race information, and customizable viewing options. The service is designed to give fans greater control over how they follow the action throughout the weekend.
Coverage includes English and Spanish commentary, along with access to as many as 30 additional live feeds across sessions. These options provide different perspectives on the race, including Driver Tracker for an aerial view of the circuit, live timing and data feeds, and a mixed onboard feed that automatically switches between camera angles as the action develops.
Another feature is the Podium feed, which dynamically follows the drivers occupying the top three positions. These additional viewing options allow fans to monitor individual performances, follow changing race positions, and gain a broader understanding of team strategies.
Apple TV also offers Multiview, allowing viewers to watch up to four live feeds simultaneously on one screen. Previously available on supported Apple devices and streaming players, Multiview is expanding to compatible smart TVs, giving more viewers access to multiple race perspectives without switching between separate broadcasts.
Formula 1 Coverage Arrives With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Starting with the United States Grand Prix, Apple TV is introducing Dolby Atmos® audio to its Formula 1 coverage, complementing Dolby Vision® picture quality. Together, these technologies aim to deliver a more immersive viewing experience for subscribers with compatible devices and home entertainment equipment.
Dolby Atmos can create a more spatial audio experience, bringing greater depth to the sounds of race weekend. From engine noise and team radio to commentary, pit-lane activity, and on-track battles, the technology helps viewers feel closer to the action.
Dolby Vision enhances the visual presentation with rich colors, improved contrast, and lifelike detail. The combination is designed to make the racing experience more engaging, particularly during high-speed overtakes and close battles around the circuit.
The enhanced experience is available through the Apple TV app on supported Apple devices and compatible televisions, soundbars, and home theater systems that support Dolby technologies.
Original Programming Brings Fans Closer to the Action
Alongside live racing, Apple TV is expanding its Formula 1 offering with original content that explores the technical challenges, personalities, and stories behind the sport.
The Circuits in Focus series returns for the United States Grand Prix, featuring 2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg and content creator, car builder, and driver Emelia Hartford. The pair examine Circuit of The Americas, highlighting its distinctive corners, elevation changes, high-speed sections, and potential overtaking opportunities.
Using EA SPORTS™ F1® 25, the official video game of the FIA Formula One World Championship™, Rosberg and Hartford demonstrate how drivers approach the circuit and explain the strategic decisions that could influence the race.
Another returning program, Full Throttle, features content creator and engineer Christina Roki alongside Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda. In the latest episode, Tsunoda tests his driving skills on the new off-road track at Circuit of The Americas. The program combines motorsport action with entertainment and behind-the-scenes moments.
After the race, fans can follow The POV, a social series featuring former Red Bull Racing senior technician Calum Nicholas and Roki. The show examines important moments from the weekend, including overtakes, strategic decisions, and unexpected developments, offering technical insights through an accessible, fan-focused format.
Together, these programs extend the race experience beyond the live broadcast and provide additional perspectives on the sport.
Austin Hosts Special Apple Experiences for Race Fans
To celebrate the Grand Prix, Apple is bringing Formula 1-themed activities to Apple Domain NORTHSIDE in Austin.
On Thursday, October 22, customers can participate in special Today at Apple sessions inspired by the Haas F1 Team. Activities include photographing official driver suits and helmets using iPhone 18 Pro and designing custom racing car liveries on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a special-edition Haas livery displayed outdoors and attend a live question-and-answer session featuring Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, and American F1 Academy driver Kaylee Countryman.
Interested fans can check availability and reserve a place through the Today at Apple event page.
The celebration continues on Sunday, October 25, when visitors can watch the live Apple TV broadcast of the United States Grand Prix at the store.
Apple Sports Keeps Fans Updated Throughout the Season
Fans who want to follow Formula 1 beyond the live broadcast can use the free Apple Sports app for iPhone. The application provides real-time leaderboards, driver and team standings, and updates for qualifying sessions, Sprint events, and Grand Prix races.
Designed for quick access to sports information, Apple Sports makes it easier to track favorite teams and drivers throughout the season. Users can also access the live race page on Apple TV directly from the app.
Live Activities provide real-time updates on the iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch, helping fans stay informed while away from the television. Game Card Sharing lets users share Grand Prix information, while the My Sports feature synchronizes selected favorites across supported Apple applications, including Apple TV, Apple Sports, and Apple News.
These integrations give fans several ways to stay connected with the championship, whether they are watching a race, checking standings, or following developments while on the move.
Explore Circuit of The Americas With Apple Maps
Apple Maps is also helping fans navigate Austin and explore the United States Grand Prix venue. The service includes a detailed map of Circuit of The Americas, featuring numbered turns, grandstands, and specially designed three-dimensional landmarks such as the F1 pit building, COTA Tower, and COTALAND Theme Park.
For spectators attending the event, Maps provides useful information about entry gates, grandstand locations, rideshare pickup areas, pedestrian routes, and road closures. These details can help visitors plan their journeys around the circuit and move between different areas of the venue.
Beyond the racetrack, Apple’s Detailed City Experience for Austin provides expanded road information, improved navigation, and immersive 3D representations of landmarks such as Q2 Stadium, Sixth Street, and Moody Center.
Visitors looking for places to eat, drink, and shop can also explore Austin recommendations through country singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett’s Apple Maps guide.
A Connected Race Weekend for Formula 1 Fans
With exclusive live coverage, customizable viewing features, Dolby-enhanced audio and visuals, original programming, and integrations across Apple’s services, the United States Grand Prix marks an opportunity for fans to experience Formula 1 in multiple ways.
Whether following the championship battle through Multiview, exploring circuit strategies with expert analysis, tracking live standings on Apple Sports, or navigating Austin with Apple Maps, viewers have access to a connected collection of tools designed around the race weekend.
As the 2026 championship enters a decisive phase, the action at Circuit of The Americas promises an important weekend for drivers, teams, and fans. Apple TV’s coverage brings the competition to U.S. audiences, with every session available live and on demand for subscribers.
Source Link: https://www.apple.com/