Apple TV has confirmed it will make every live session from the Austrian Grand Prix free to watch for Formula 1 fans in the United States. The streaming service, new to F1 broadcasting this year, is offering all practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself to anyone with a free Apple ID.
This move builds on Apple's innovative marketing strategies, which have included showing races at IMAX cinemas, alternative broadcasts on Tubi, and live billboard airings in Times Square. Apple acquired US F1 rights from ESPN in a lucrative deal, and early reports suggest viewership has matched or exceeded ESPN's numbers, though no public figures have been released.
Exclusive Offer for US Fans Only
The free broadcast is limited to US-based fans due to Apple's regional rights. British fans cannot access the offer; they must rely on Sky Sports, which extended its exclusive UK broadcast deal through 2034. Channel 4 retains highlights rights and will air the British Grand Prix free-to-air in early July.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown commented on the viewership impact: "A lot of people's concern was, 'Would the viewing numbers go down?' In fact, they're up a lot. I think that was really everyone's only concern -- when it goes behind a paywall, but the numbers are up [by], I've heard, 25 to 30 percent."
Background on Apple's F1 Entry
Apple's foray into F1 follows its production of the film F1: The Movie, produced by Lewis Hamilton, which became the highest-grossing movie of Brad Pitt's career. The company has since aggressively marketed its F1 coverage, with the Austrian GP free stream being its biggest promotional move yet.
The Austrian Grand Prix takes place at the Red Bull Ring from June 26-28, 2026. Fans can access the free stream by logging into Apple TV with an Apple ID, which is free to create.
