Apple TV secures F1 rights and partners with IMAX for select races

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Apple TV secures F1 rights and partners with IMAX for select races

Apple has secured a partnership with IMAX to broadcast five specific Formula 1 races live in select United States theaters during the 2026 season. This collaboration follows Apple’s acquisition of a five-year deal for US broadcast rights to Formula 1 last fall. The initiative aims to provide fans with an immersive viewing experience, utilizing the large-format screens and audio capabilities of IMAX venues for key events on the racing calendar.

The live screenings will feature the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, and the British Grand Prix on July 5. The series of theater broadcasts will continue with the Italian Grand Prix on September 6 and conclude with the United States Grand Prix on October 25. These specific races represent significant events in the Formula 1 season, and the screenings will occur exclusively at IMAX theaters throughout the United States.

In preparation for the 2026 season, Apple has launched a dedicated Formula 1 channel on the Apple TV platform. This move complements the new theater initiative and the company’s broader strategy regarding the sport. Apple also previously acquired the rights to a feature film centered on Formula 1, which generated over $630 million in global box office revenue. That film also featured screenings in select IMAX locations, establishing a precedent for the current live broadcast partnership.

While the arrangement covers the 2026 season, the long-term status of the screenings remains uncertain. Current information does not confirm whether IMAX will continue to host live Formula 1 races at its theaters in the years following 2026. The partnership for this specific season provides a high-profile venue for fans to view the races, offering an alternative to standard television broadcasts or attendance at the actual racetracks.

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