Revving Up: Apple TV Takes the Checkered Flag as the New Home of F1

Apple TV’s exclusive live stream of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix marked a significant milestone as the streaming service’s first coverage of the event under a five-year streaming rights deal. The viewership numbers for this season’s F1 opener exceeded expectations, showcasing a positive response from fans compared to last year’s race broadcast on ESPN.

Eddy Cue, Apple services boss, shared in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter that the 2026 Formula 1 season on Apple TV had a strong start, with viewership surpassing the previous year’s race. While exact figures were not disclosed, it is known that ESPN averaged 1.1 million viewers for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. This increase in viewership over last year’s broadcast on ESPN demonstrates a victory for Apple TV.

Looking ahead, Apple TV aims to continue its success with upcoming races, including the North American Grands Prix in Miami and Montreal. The addition of F1 Racing to Apple’s sports packages aligns with the streamer’s commitment to offering live sporting events throughout the year. This strategic move follows Apple’s previous attempts to secure streaming rights for NFL games.

In addition to F1 races, Apple leverages its ecosystem of apps and services, such as Apple Music, Apple News, and Apple Sports, for promotional purposes. A recent partnership with Netflix will bring the latest season of the popular docuseries “Drive to Survive” to Apple TV, further enhancing the streaming experience for viewers.

To enhance the viewing experience, Apple TV provides various ways to watch F1 races, including the Multiview feature that allows users to view up to four live race feeds simultaneously. The availability of races in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision enhances the visual experience for viewers. Apple TV subscribers can access F1 Racing on a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

Overall, the positive reception of F1 Racing on Apple TV sets the stage for future growth and innovation in the streaming sports industry. With an emphasis on enhanced viewing experiences and strategic partnerships, Apple TV is poised to continue delivering top-tier content to its subscribers.