Racing to catch the Miami Grand Prix on May 3rd just got more intense. Apple TV will stream five select 2026 Formula 1 races live in IMAX theaters across the U.S., transforming your typical Sunday viewing into a communal, big-screen spectacle. This isn’t just watching F1—it’s experiencing the roar of engines and screech of tires on a scale that makes your living room setup look quaint.
Premium Races Hit Premium Screens
Silverstone, Miami, Monaco, Monza, and Austin races will broadcast live at 50+ IMAX locations nationwide.
Starting with Miami’s race on May 3rd, Apple TV subscribers can catch these marquee events in theaters equipped with IMAX’s signature sound and visual systems. The partnership cherry-picks F1’s most prestigious circuits—Monaco’s glamorous street racing, Silverstone’s historic British drama, and Austin’s American energy.
You’ll need an Apple TV subscription for home viewing when Apple’s exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights begin March 7, 2026, but the theater experience adds a communal element that streaming alone can’t match. Select races and practices will be available for free in the Apple TV app.
Building on Cinematic Success
The partnership leverages momentum from F1 The Movie’s $629 million global box office performance.
Apple’s 2025 F1 film starring Brad Pitt proved American audiences’ hunger for motorsport content on the big screen. That success, combined with Apple TV’s exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights, creates a natural bridge between theatrical and streaming experiences.
According to Apple Services VP Oliver Schusser, “by bringing F1 on Apple TV live to IMAX theaters nationwide, we’re delivering the energy and excitement to even more screens in a truly immersive way.”
Streaming Wars Meet Theater Revival
IMAX diversifies beyond movies while Apple expands its live sports ecosystem across venues.
This collaboration addresses two industry challenges: IMAX’s need for non-movie content as theater attendance fluctuates, and Apple’s drive to differentiate its streaming service through exclusive live events. The tech giant already secured partnerships for F1, MLS, and MLB access in restaurants and bars through EverPass Media. Adding premium theater experiences creates a three-tier viewing ecosystem—home streaming, commercial venues, and now cinematic immersion.
Your F1 experience no longer ends at your couch or local sports bar. When Monaco’s narrow streets demand precision viewing or Austin’s high-speed sections need maximum impact, IMAX theaters deliver the scale these races deserve.
