Get ready, Formula 1 fanatics! The roar of engines, the blur of speed, and the nail-biting drama of F1 are about to hit the big screen like never before. In a game-changing move for US motorsport enthusiasts, IMAX has announced it will screen select F1 races live from 2026, powered by Apple TV's new broadcast deal. This isn't just watching a race; it's living it.
Key Takeaways for US F1 Fans
- F1 races will be shown live in select IMAX theaters across the United States starting in 2026.
- This groundbreaking viewing experience is a collaboration between IMAX and Apple TV, who secure US broadcast rights from 2026.
- A minimum of five Grands Prix will be screened annually in at least 50 locations nationwide.
- The initiative aims to deliver an unparalleled, immersive "fan-first" experience, amplifying F1's surging popularity in the US.
Grand Prix Goes Gigantic: IMAX Elevates the F1 Spectacle
The future of Formula 1 viewing in the United States just got a whole lot bigger. In an electrifying partnership, IMAX will bring the high-octane action of F1 directly to its massive screens, offering fans an unprecedented, immersive experience starting in 2026. This bold venture is part of Apple TV's new multi-year broadcasting deal for the championship in the US, signaling a clear intent to redefine how Americans consume the sport.
Apple's vice president of music, sports, and Beats, Oliver Schusser, emphasized the vision: "F1 is a rapidly growing force in sports and culture in the US... by bringing F1 on Apple TV live to IMAX theatres nationwide, we’re delivering the energy and excitement to even more screens in a truly immersive way." Imagine the guttural scream of an engine, the precision of a pit stop, or the tension of a last-lap overtake, all magnified to an epic scale. This isn't just broadcasting; it's an event.
From Hollywood Blockbuster to Live Race Thrills
This monumental announcement follows the critical and commercial success of the F1 movie, a blockbuster directed by Joseph Kosinski, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and starring Brad Pitt. That film proved beyond a doubt that the raw power and intricate beauty of Formula 1 translate spectacularly to the IMAX format.
Jonathan Fischer, chief content officer at IMAX, confirmed this synergy: "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." He added that this expansion will "amplify its live coverage of Formula 1 and give fans in the U.S. an all-new way to experience this fast-growing sport." Get ready to feel every hairpin turn and every straight-line sprint as if you're trackside.
Your New Race Day Ritual: Experience F1 Like Never Before
Beginning in 2026, fans can mark their calendars for at least five Grands Prix per season, showing live across a minimum of 50 IMAX locations throughout the United States. This isn't just about improved picture quality; it's about a communal, electrifying atmosphere. Picture yourself alongside fellow enthusiasts, sharing every cheer, every gasp, and every fist-pump in unison as the drama unfolds.
This strategic move by Apple TV and IMAX acknowledges F1's surging popularity in the US, driven by factors like Netflix's Drive to Survive and the sport's thrilling unpredictability. It's a bold statement that the future of sports viewing is not just about convenience, but about delivering an unforgettable, larger-than-life experience that pulls you directly into the heart of the action.
