Apple TV streamed the opening race of the 2026 Formula 1 season and early results show the platform attracted more viewers than the same race drew last year on ESPN. The first Grand Prix under Apple’s new five-year U.S. streaming deal aired last weekend, and the company says the early numbers point to strong interest from racing fans who followed the season opener on the streaming service.
The Australian Grand Prix served as the first test for Apple’s new Formula 1 partnership, and the company already sees positive signals after the race weekend. Apple placed the entire F1 season inside its Apple TV subscription in the United States, which costs $12.99 per month and includes full race coverage along with practice sessions, qualifying events, and Sprint races throughout the year.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple senior vice president of services Eddy Cue said the race delivered higher viewership compared with the 2025 Australian Grand Prix that aired on ESPN. Cue explained that the 2026 season began with strong engagement and that the audience response exceeded expectations for both Apple and Formula 1.
Apple Starts its F1 Era
Apple did not reveal exact viewing figures, which matches the company’s usual approach when discussing streaming performance. However, last year’s Australian Grand Prix averaged around 1.1 million viewers on ESPN, which aired the race during a late-night time slot in the United States. Any increase above that figure gives Apple a clear early victory as it begins its long-term deal with Formula 1.
Apple also built its F1 coverage around features designed for streaming audiences. Viewers can watch the race in 4K with Dolby Vision, switch between multiple camera angles, and follow individual driver cameras. The platform also offers Multiview and a special Podium View feed that shows post-race celebrations.
The season continues with several races that suit U.S. audiences better, including Miami and Montreal. Apple expects those events to draw even larger audiences as the partnership between Formula 1 and Apple TV develops through the rest of the season.
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