F1 Hits the Big Screen: IMAX and Apple TV Announce Live Race Broadcasts

NEW YORK, NY – February 19, 2026 – The roar of Formula 1 engines is set to shake the foundations of cinemas across the United States. In a landmark collaboration, IMAX and Apple TV today announced they will bring five races from the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship live to select IMAX theaters nationwide. This first-of-its-kind partnership will deliver the high-octane spectacle of F1 to the largest screens, merging the worlds of live sports and immersive cinematic entertainment.

The initiative will launch with Apple TV's inaugural season as the official U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1. At least 50 IMAX locations will participate, offering fans a communal and larger-than-life viewing experience for some of the most prestigious events on the F1 calendar. The selected races include the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, the iconic Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, the historic British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 5, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6, and the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 25.

“F1 is a rapidly growing force in sports and culture in the US, and 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,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats. “We’re excited to collaborate with IMAX to expand access to F1 on Apple TV and give fans across the U.S. a powerful new way to experience the speed and spectacle that the sport delivers.”

A New Grid for Sports Viewing

This partnership is built on the resounding success of Apple Films' “F1® : The Movie,” the 2025 blockbuster shot with IMAX-certified cameras that grossed $97.6 million in IMAX theaters worldwide. The film’s critical and commercial triumph, including a recent Best Picture nomination, proved that the intricate details and blistering speed of motorsport translate powerfully to the premium large format. It demonstrated a clear appetite among audiences for F1 content that goes beyond the traditional television broadcast.

“Apple TV and Joe Kosinski’s brilliant F1® : The Movie proved beyond a doubt that the speed, precision, and artistry of Formula 1 translate beautifully to the IMAX Experience,” said Jonathan Fischer, Chief Content Officer at IMAX. The company aims to leverage its proprietary technology, including AI-powered VisionScience and the IMAX LIVE network, to deliver a high-fidelity, low-latency broadcast that preserves the visual and auditory intensity of being trackside. Viewers can expect to see every spark from a car's underbody and feel every gear shift through the theater’s powerful sound system, creating an experience that home viewing cannot replicate.

Fueling the F1 Phenomenon in America

The timing of this venture could not be more opportune. Formula 1 has undergone a meteoric rise in the United States, transforming from a niche European sport into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. The U.S. fanbase swelled to 52 million by 2024 and has continued its upward trajectory, with viewership on ESPN platforms hitting a record average of 1.3 million per race during the 2025 season.

This explosive growth has been largely fueled by a new, younger, and more diverse audience. An estimated 43% of F1's global fanbase is now under the age of 35, with female fans making up a remarkable 42% of the total. Much of this demographic shift is attributed to the success of Netflix's docuseries “Drive to Survive,” which peeled back the curtain on the sport's high-stakes drama and personalities. This new generation of fans, particularly Gen Z, is digitally native and craves immersive, high-quality content. By bringing live races into a social, event-based setting like an IMAX theater, the partnership directly caters to this demographic’s desire for premium, shareable experiences.

Apple's Strategic Play for the Checkered Flag

For Apple, this collaboration is a crucial component of its aggressive and calculated expansion into live sports. The tech giant's strategy centers on acquiring exclusive, league-wide rights and curating a premium, ad-free viewing experience that sets it apart from competitors. This was first seen with its MLB “Friday Night Baseball” and its global deal with Major League Soccer, which will be integrated into the standard Apple TV+ subscription in 2026.

Securing the exclusive U.S. rights for Formula 1 for a reported $140-150 million annually was a significant statement of intent. The IMAX partnership amplifies this investment, transforming the broadcast into a multi-format entertainment franchise. This move aligns with Apple's philosophy of using high-profile sports content as “ecosystem glue”—a powerful incentive to attract and retain subscribers within its vast universe of devices and services. By offering an unparalleled viewing option, Apple strengthens its brand as a destination for premium content and innovative entertainment.

Beyond Blockbusters: IMAX's Live Evolution

This initiative also represents a pivotal step in IMAX's ongoing evolution from a purely cinematic exhibitor to a dynamic platform for a wide array of live global events. Facing a changing media landscape, the company has strategically diversified its content portfolio through its “IMAX LIVE” service. This globally connected network has already proven its capabilities by successfully broadcasting major events like the NBA Finals in China, the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, and global esports championships.

The F1 partnership is a natural and ambitious extension of this strategy. It leverages the company's existing infrastructure and brand recognition to tap into the lucrative live sports market. By transforming its theaters into high-tech arenas for communal sports viewing, IMAX not only creates a new revenue stream but also reinforces the unique value of the theatrical experience in an age of at-home streaming. It offers a compelling reason for audiences to leave their couches and gather for a shared, unforgettable event.

As the 2026 season approaches, the collaboration between IMAX and Apple TV is poised to set a new standard for sports broadcasting. Further details regarding participating theaters and ticket availability are expected to be announced this spring. For a rapidly growing legion of American F1 fans, the opportunity to witness the drama of a Grand Prix on the biggest screen imaginable marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in sports entertainment.