Will F1 TV Still Be Available in the US After Apple’s 2026 Deal? Price, Features & What Changes

The future of F1 TV in the U.S. hangs in the balance after Apple secured exclusive Formula 1 streaming rights starting in 2026. Subscribers face uncertainty over whether the standalone service will survive or merge into Apple TV+.

Currently priced at $85/year, F1 TV offers ad-free races and exclusive features like team radios—benefits that may disappear under Apple’s deal. The shift could redefine how American fans access F1 content, with potential price hikes and platform restrictions.

Will F1 TV Still Be Available in the US After Apple’s 2026 Deal?

The future of F1 TV in the United States is shrouded in uncertainty following Apple’s blockbuster 5-year exclusive broadcast deal set to commence in 2026. The $150 million per year agreement has left subscribers questioning whether the standalone F1 TV service will continue to operate or be absorbed into Apple TV+. Historically, F1 has maintained its direct-to-consumer platform alongside broadcast partnerships, such as with Sky Sports in Europe. However, Apple’s massive investment suggests a potential shift towards exclusivity, which could sideline F1 TV for U.S. users.

Reports indicate that ESPN, the current rights holder, is unlikely to match Apple’s offer. If F1 TV remains operational, it might adopt a hybrid model where certain content is restricted or requires Apple TV+ authentication. This approach mirrors Apple’s MLS Season Pass strategy, where supplemental content is gated behind a paywall. The shift raises significant concerns about cost and accessibility for dedicated F1 fans who rely on F1 TV’s unique features.

Mr.Owl: The real question here is whether F1 will tolerate platform fragmentation when Apple is writing such a substantial check. The integration could streamline the viewing experience, but it may also alienate long-time fans who value F1 TV’s unique offerings.

Mr.Owl: Apple’s technological prowess could indeed replicate many of F1 TV’s features. Remember how they revolutionized MLS broadcasts with 4K and real-time stats? F1 might be betting on Apple’s infrastructure to outshine their own app, but the transition could be rocky for some subscribers.

What Changes Can Fans Expect in F1 TV’s Features?

F1 TV is renowned for its exclusive features like the Pit Lane Channel, driver tracker, and archival races. Apple’s press release hints at “innovative viewing experiences,” suggesting that these features may be integrated into Apple TV+. Potential adaptations include enhanced onboard cameras via Apple’s spatial video technology, curated team radio communications into post-race “Storylines,” and integration of data feeds with Apple Watch metrics.

Mr.Owl: While Apple’s tech could bring new dimensions to F1 viewing, the loss of F1 TV’s unique features might be a deal-breaker for hardcore fans. It will be interesting to see how Apple balances innovation with maintaining the elements that fans cherish.

How Much Will F1 TV Cost Under Apple’s Deal?

Currently, F1 TV Pro subscriptions cost $79.99 annually, but pricing could shift dramatically with Apple’s involvement. Apple’s MLS deal offers some clues, with a standalone $99/year package or a discounted rate for Apple TV+ subscribers ($79/year). F1 might adopt tiered pricing, including a base tier with race replays and highlights (free with Apple TV+), a Pro tier with live races and onboard cameras ($99/year), and a legacy tier for grandfathered F1 TV Pro users ($79/year).

Mr.Owl: The potential for tiered pricing is a double-edged sword. While it offers flexibility, it could also complicate the subscription process. Apple’s pricing strategy will be crucial in determining whether fans feel they are getting value for their money.

Will Existing Subscriptions Get Grandfathered In?

When DAZN took over NFL Sunday Ticket, it honored prior YouTube TV subscriptions temporarily. F1 may extend a similar courtesy to avoid backlash, but long-term migration to Apple’s ecosystem seems inevitable. Fans are hopeful that their existing subscriptions will be honored, at least during the transition period.

Mr.Owl: Honoring existing subscriptions temporarily is a smart move to mitigate fan backlash. However, the long-term focus will likely be on integrating users into Apple’s ecosystem, which could be a tough sell for some.

Can You Watch F1 Races Without Apple TV in 2026?

Barring last-minute negotiations, linear TV coverage will vanish. ESPN’s broadcasts are unlikely to continue unless Apple sublicenses rights (which it hasn’t for MLS). Free-to-air options may emerge for marquee races like Monaco or COTA, similar to Fox’s limited World Cup coverage.

Mr.Owl: The disappearance of linear TV coverage for F1 marks a significant shift. While Apple’s deal offers no mid-race commercials, the $99 paywall could deter casual viewers and potentially shrink F1’s U.S. growth.

What Features Will Apple Bring to F1 Viewing?

Apple’s track record with MLS suggests that F1 broadcasts will feature cutting-edge technology. Enhanced streaming quality, real-time statistics, and interactive viewing experiences are likely on the cards. The integration of Apple’s ecosystem, including the Apple Watch, could provide fans with an immersive experience that was previously unimaginable.

Mr.Owl: Apple’s ecosystem integration could revolutionize F1 viewing. Imagine getting real-time driver statistics on your Apple Watch or accessing exclusive content via Apple TV+. The possibilities are endless, but the execution will be key.

Will F1 TV Work With a VPN After 2026?

Geoblocking will likely tighten under Apple’s control. Apple’s MLS streams actively block VPNs, and F1 could enforce similar restrictions. However, international F1 TV subscriptions (e.g., via Mexico) might remain accessible, albeit with commentary in local languages.

Mr.Owl: The tightening of geoblocking is a step towards protecting broadcasting rights but could inconvenience international fans who rely on VPNs to access content.

What Are the Potential Downsides for Fans?

While Apple’s deal brings promises of enhanced viewing experiences, it also poses potential downsides. The cost barrier could alienate some fans, and the loss of ESPN’s commentary, which has been well-received, might be a significant drawback. Additionally, the transition period could be chaotic as fans adapt to the new platform.

Mr.Owl: The transition to Apple TV+ could be a mixed bag for fans. While the promise of enhanced features is enticing, the cost and potential disruption to the viewing experience are legitimate concerns that F1 and Apple must address.

Conclusion

The 2026 deal with Apple marks a significant shift in how Formula 1 will be broadcast in the United States. While it promises innovation and enhanced viewing experiences, it also raises questions about accessibility, cost, and the continuation of beloved F1 TV features. Fans will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds, hoping that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Apple’s ability to seamlessly integrate these changes will be crucial in determining the success of this monumental deal.