Formula 1 is trading the small screen for a massive one as Apple expands its footprint in the racing world. In a new partnership with IMAX, Apple will broadcast five marquee races from the 2026 season live at select IMAX theatres across the United States. This move provides fans with an ultra-immersive alternative to the traditional home viewing experience, leveraging IMAX’s towering screens and high-fidelity sound systems to capture the speed and roar of the grid.
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The live screenings will focus on five of the most iconic stops on the Formula 1 circuit:
- Miami Grand Prix: May 3
- Monaco Grand Prix: June 7
- British Grand Prix: July 5
- Italian Grand Prix: September 6
- United States Grand Prix: October 25
This theatrical venture is the latest step in Apple’s aggressive sports strategy. After securing a five-year deal for the exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to Formula 1 last fall, the company has already launched a dedicated F1 channel on Apple TV to serve as a hub for fans.
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Apple’s relationship with the league also extends to the silver screen. The company recently produced a high-budget Formula 1 feature film that earned over $630 million at the global box office. That film’s successful run in IMAX theatres likely served as a proof-of-concept for this new live-broadcast partnership.
While it is currently unclear if the IMAX deal will expand to include more races in future seasons, the 2026 pilot program represents a significant shift in how live sports are consumed. By blending Apple’s digital distribution with IMAX’s premium physical infrastructure, the partnership aims to offer the closest possible experience to standing trackside.
