IMAX and Apple TV Partner to Stream Live F1 Races in U.S. Theaters
Event summary
- IMAX and Apple TV will stream five 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship races live in at least 50 U.S. IMAX locations.
- Races include Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin Grands Prix.
- The partnership follows the success of 'F1: The Movie,' which grossed $97.6M worldwide in IMAX in 2025.
- IMAX re-released 'F1: The Movie' on 50 U.S. screens in January 2026 ahead of its Best Picture nomination.
The big picture
This partnership marks IMAX's expansion into live sports broadcasting, leveraging its immersive technology to complement Apple TV's F1 coverage. The move aligns with broader trends in experiential entertainment, where traditional theater chains seek new revenue streams beyond feature films. With Formula 1's growing U.S. popularity, the collaboration could set a precedent for other sports-media theater integrations.
What we're watching
- Content Strategy
- Whether IMAX can sustain audience engagement with live sports beyond its traditional film offerings.
- Partnership Dynamics
- How Apple TV's exclusive U.S. F1 broadcasting rights will shape future collaborations with IMAX.
- Theater Utilization
- The pace at which IMAX expands live event screenings beyond the initial 50 locations.
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