Apple & IMAX's Formula 1 Deal: Live Racing on the Big Screen [2025]

Last fall, Apple TV locked down a massive five-year deal to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States. But that was just the appetizer. Now Apple's pairing with IMAX to do something nobody's really done before: screen live F1 races on IMAX's massive cinema screens across the country.

This isn't some pre-recorded replay that looks nice on a big screen. We're talking about live, real-time Formula 1 broadcasting in IMAX format starting in 2026. If you've ever experienced an IMAX film, you know how immersive those screens are. Now imagine the roar of 20,000-horsepower engines, the hairpin turns of Monaco, the speed of Monza, all unfolding on a screen that's literally four stories tall.

The deal covers five specific races from the 2026 season, and it's happening at select IMAX theaters across the United States. For F1 fans, this changes everything about how you can experience the sport outside of actually being trackside. For Apple and IMAX, it's a bold experiment in how live sports can reach audiences in completely new ways.

Let's break down what this partnership actually means, why both companies are making this move, and what it could mean for the future of sports broadcasting.

TL; DR

• Apple is bringing five live F1 races to IMAX theaters across the US in 2026, marking the first time live Formula 1 races will screen in IMAX format
• Five major races are included: Miami Grand Prix (May 3), Monaco Grand Prix (June 7), British Grand Prix (July 5), Italian Grand Prix (September 6), and United States Grand Prix (October 25)
• IMAX's massive screens create an unprecedented immersive experience for Formula 1 fans who can't attend races in person
• Apple's five-year broadcast deal for US F1 rights makes this expansion possible, following the success of their F1 feature film that grossed over $630 million globally
• Sports streaming is evolving beyond traditional TV, and this partnership signals how premium experiences will drive engagement and justify expensive broadcast rights

Each selected Grand Prix race will be broadcast live in IMAX theaters, highlighting the visual appeal and prestige of these events.

The Deal: What Apple and IMAX Actually Agreed To

Let's start with the nuts and bolts. Apple and IMAX didn't just shake hands on a vague "show some races on big screens" agreement. This is a structured, specific deal covering exactly five races from the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The five races selected represent some of the sport's most prestigious and visually compelling events. The Miami Grand Prix kicks things off on May 3, bringing the glamour and high speeds of South Florida to IMAX screens. Then comes Monaco on June 7, the jewel in F1's crown—the race where precision matters more than raw pace, where missing a apex by inches means crashing into a wall. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone follows on July 5, one of the oldest and most storied races in motorsport history.

Then the deal covers the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6. Monza is famous for being the fastest circuit on the calendar, where cars hit their top speeds and the racing is notoriously aggressive. Finally, the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin on October 25 rounds out the five-race slate.

These aren't random picks. They're strategically chosen races that offer visual variety and global appeal. Monaco is the prestige race. Miami represents growing American interest in F1. Monza is pure speed. Silverstone carries history. Austin brings F1 home to American audiences with a purpose-built modern circuit.

The deal doesn't explicitly state whether IMAX is paying Apple to carry these broadcasts or sharing revenue, but industry sources suggest this is IMAX investing in content to drive theater attendance. IMAX is fighting an uphill battle in the modern streaming era, and hosting live, high-profile sporting events is a legitimate differentiator from streaming at home.

What's interesting is that this isn't an indefinite arrangement. The agreement covers the 2026 season, but there's no public commitment beyond that. This is IMAX and Apple testing the waters, seeing if there's genuine audience demand for watching Formula 1 on a theater screen rather than at home on a TV or device.

IMAX offers a mid-range cost and time commitment with a significant social aspect, making it a compelling option compared to home streaming and attending the track. Estimated data.

Apple's Formula 1 Ambitions: More Than Just a Broadcast Deal

Apple's commitment to Formula 1 goes way deeper than just acquiring broadcast rights. This is part of a larger strategic push to position Apple TV+ as a premium sports destination, not just an entertainment streaming service.

When Apple secured the five-year exclusive US broadcast deal for Formula 1 last year, observers were shocked. Broadcast rights for major sports traditionally go to ESPN, Fox Sports, or other established sports networks with decades of experience. Apple doesn't have that history. But Apple doesn't care—they're building it from scratch, and they're willing to spend massively to do it.

The strategy makes sense when you look at what Apple's doing across their services. Apple TV+ originally focused on prestige dramas and comedies, but they've realized that sports is a unique category. Sports programming drives recurring subscriptions because fans need live, current events. You can watch Game of Thrones anytime. You have to watch the Super Bowl Sunday night.

For Formula 1 specifically, Apple recognized a massive opportunity. The sport is experiencing explosive growth in the United States. Casual interest has exploded thanks to the Netflix documentary "Drive to Survive", which introduced millions of Americans to the drama, personalities, and competitive intensity of professional motorsports. More American cities are joining the F1 calendar. American drivers are gaining prominence. The timing is perfect.

But just broadcasting races on TV isn't enough in 2025 and beyond. Apple needs differentiators. They need ways to justify their massive investment and make F1 on Apple TV+ feel like a destination, not just another streaming option.

That's where the IMAX deal comes in. It's a complementary experience for hardcore fans. It's saying: "We don't just have F1. We have F1 in ways nobody else can deliver."

The F1 Movie's Success: Why This Expansion Makes Sense

You can't understand why Apple's so committed to Formula 1 without understanding the stunning success of their F1 feature film.

Apple released "F1" in 2024, directed by Joseph Kosinski (who directed "Top Gun: Maverick"). The film followed a fictional rookie driver navigating the intense world of professional motorsports, blended with real F1 footage and actual racing sequences. It was ambitious, expensive, and risky.

The gamble paid off spectacularly. The film grossed over $630 million at the global box office. For context, that puts it ahead of most blockbuster releases that year. A significant portion of that came from IMAX screenings specifically, where the visual spectacle of high-speed racing translated perfectly to the format.

That success wasn't lost on Apple's executives. They saw direct evidence that audiences will pay premium prices to experience Formula 1 in immersive, large-format cinema. They saw that casual fans are hungry for F1 content. They saw an opening.

The IMAX live broadcast deal is a natural extension of that success. Apple's thinking is: "We already proved audiences love F1 on the big screen. Let's make that a recurring experience, not just a one-time film." Instead of waiting two years between films, they're offering live racing events in IMAX format. It keeps the format alive and keeps the audience engaged.

This also helps IMAX, which desperately needs differentiated content. Traditional movies are increasingly available on streaming services within months. IMAX's value proposition is becoming "experiences you can't get anywhere else," and live sports is the perfect category for that.

IMAX provides a significantly larger viewing angle (estimated data), enhancing immersion compared to a typical home TV setup.

The Five Races: Why These Five?

Apple and IMAX didn't randomly pick five races. Each selection serves a specific purpose in terms of geography, prestige, racing style, and audience appeal.

The Miami Grand Prix (May 3)

Miami is the season's American race that isn't at the end of the calendar. It's important for US audience engagement because it's the first major American F1 event of the season (Austin comes later in October). Miami also represents growth and investment in American motorsports. The race happens on a street circuit in downtown Miami, meaning it has unique visual characteristics—the Caribbean backdrop, the urban setting, the contrast between high technology and vibrant city scenery.

For IMAX specifically, Miami's bright daylight racing, colorful surroundings, and close-quarters street racing makes for compelling visual storytelling. The 200-foot-high screen becomes a window into the intensity of trying to navigate Formula 1 cars through tight urban streets at speeds that would be suicidal in a normal car.

The Monaco Grand Prix (June 7)

This is the jewel of Formula 1. Monaco isn't selected for IMAX distribution because of its technical racing (though it's incredibly technical). It's selected because it's Monaco. This is the race that even non-motorsports fans have heard about. The glamour, the prestige, the precision required to thread a single-seater through narrow, unforgiving streets.

Monaco's visual appeal is unmatched. You've got the Mediterranean Sea, the yachts, the wealth, the historical significance, and the raw tension of cars inches away from each other on a circuit where there's nowhere to hide and nowhere to go. One mistake and you're done for the weekend. That human drama, combined with the machine's precision, is perfect for IMAX's immersive format.

Apple knows that Monaco alone will drive theater attendance. F1 fans plan their year around Monaco. Including it in the IMAX slate was essentially mandatory from a marketing perspective.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 5)

Silverstone is tradition. It's one of the oldest continuously held motorsport events in the world. The British Grand Prix carries historical weight that few races match. Silverstone is also a high-speed circuit, which provides different visual drama than Monaco's precision fest.

For an American audience discovering F1, Silverstone represents the sport's European heritage and legitimacy. It's not a new, shiny street circuit designed for TV. It's history. It's racing on a converted RAF airbase with 80+ years of motorsport pedigree. Showing Silverstone in IMAX introduces audiences to that heritage in an experiential way.

The racing at Silverstone is also different—higher speeds, longer straights, different overtaking opportunities. From a visual variety perspective, it complements Monaco and Monza perfectly.

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza (September 6)

Monza is the speed circuit. This is where Formula 1 cars reach their absolute top speeds, where the engineering of speed matters more than anything else. It's also deeply significant in Italian culture and history. Monza has hosted racing since 1922.

For IMAX, Monza represents pure velocity. The camera angles, the sound design, the sense of speed—it's maximum adrenaline. The Parabolica corner, Eau Rouge equivalent, the high-speed sweepers through the Lesmo corners—IMAX's immersive screen is perfect for conveying the sensation of traveling at 220+ mph in a carbon fiber tube.

Monza also appeals to the technical audience. Engineers, physics enthusiasts, and drivers passionate about the machinery itself will be drawn to Monza because it's the race where aerodynamics and engine power matter most.

The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (October 25)

Austin's Circuit of the Americas is the final American race on the 2026 calendar. It's a purpose-built, modern circuit designed with spectators and television in mind. The track layout is diverse—technical sections, high-speed sections, elevation changes, close racing opportunities.

Including the US Grand Prix in the IMAX slate is strategically essential. Apple wants to drive subscriptions and IMAX wants to fill theaters. Home market advantage is powerful. American fans will be excited about experiencing an American Grand Prix in IMAX. It's a closing statement to the five-race slate, bringing the experience home to Apple and IMAX's core audience.

The track's elevation changes and diverse corners also provide visual variety—the race moves through flat sections, elevated sections, and complex corner sequences that look stunning from IMAX's perspective.

How Live Formula 1 Broadcasting in IMAX Actually Works

Here's where things get technically interesting. Broadcasting live Formula 1 races in IMAX format is significantly more complicated than just streaming a race on Apple TV+.

First, understand that IMAX isn't watching a standard TV broadcast on a big screen. That would look terrible. Instead, the feed has to be specifically formatted for IMAX's aspect ratio and resolution. IMAX screens use a 1.43:1 aspect ratio (or sometimes 1.37:1 depending on the theater), which is dramatically different from standard widescreen (16:9). The image has to be vertically tall to fill those screens.

The camera work and directing also needs to be different. Standard F1 broadcasts are shot for television—they use varied camera angles that work well on 55-inch TVs or even 85-inch TVs. But when you're trying to fill a screen the size of an eight-story building, suddenly those camera angles create different visual dynamics. Wide shots that feel nice on TV might feel empty on IMAX. Tight shots might feel claustrophobic.

Apple and IMAX will likely work with Formula 1's broadcast production team to shoot and frame content specifically for IMAX. That means multiple camera angles are being recorded, but the IMAX broadcast will use specific angles and composition choices designed to maximize the immersive impact of the enormous screen.

There's also the matter of sound. IMAX theaters have premium sound systems designed to handle complex, layered audio. The roar of F1 engines, the tire squeals, the radio chatter between drivers and engineers, the crowd noise—all of this needs to be mixed specifically for IMAX's sound architecture. A standard broadcast mix won't work. You need a discrete, immersive sound mix that takes advantage of multiple speakers positioned throughout the theater.

Then there's the latency question. Formula 1 fans watching on their TVs experience some inherent delay—typically 5-30 seconds depending on whether they're watching cable, satellite, or streaming. But for a theater-based broadcast, there's a different consideration. The audience is physically present, sitting together. If there's noticeable lag or sync issues between what's happening on screen and what the broadcast audio suggests is happening, it breaks immersion. Apple will need to manage latency very carefully to ensure the experience feels "live" and not like a delayed broadcast.

There's also the commercial break question. Traditional TV broadcasts have commercial breaks. Will IMAX broadcasts have them? If so, where and how often? Will the screen go dark? Will there be pre-race entertainment or post-race analysis? These are all decisions Apple and IMAX will need to make. The premium experience suggests they'll minimize traditional commercial breaks and instead offer either ad-free viewing or limited, tasteful integration.

Another consideration is the multi-feed aspect. During live F1 races, the official broadcast shows a primary focus on the leaders, but interesting action is happening throughout the field. Some fans will want to see their favorite driver, even if they're running in 15th place. The traditional TV broadcast handles this by cutting between action shots. But for IMAX, with a single fixed screen, there's no way to show multiple races simultaneously. Apple might need to offer choices—perhaps different IMAX showings for different race focuses, or accepting that IMAX viewers get the "broadcast cut" that focuses on the official action.

The cost and technical risks are the most significant challenges for IMAX F1 broadcasts, with high impact scores of 8 and 9 respectively. Estimated data.

The Immersive Experience: Why IMAX Changes Everything

This is the crucial part. Why would someone go to a theater to watch a sporting event live when they can stream it at home in full 4K?

The answer is immersion. IMAX isn't just bigger. It's a completely different sensory experience.

Let's do some basic math. A typical TV in someone's home might be 65 inches measured diagonally. The average viewing distance is about 8-10 feet away. This creates a viewing angle of roughly 30-40 degrees of your visual field.

An IMAX screen that's 100 feet wide and 80 feet tall, viewed from typical theater seating 40-60 feet away, creates a viewing angle of roughly 80-120 degrees. That's not just bigger—that's exponentially more immersive. The image fills most of your peripheral vision. Your brain processes this as being inside the action rather than watching action on a screen.

When a Formula 1 car goes from the bottom left of the screen to the top right at 200 mph, on a home TV, your eyes can track it relatively easily. On an IMAX screen, your eyes have to physically move to follow the action. Your head might move. Your entire body experiences the sensation of following high-speed motion. This is the same reason movies like IMAX films designed for the format feel so much more impactful than standard releases.

For Formula 1 specifically, this is revolutionary. The sensation of speed is difficult to convey on small screens. On IMAX, when a car is moving at 200 mph on track, the sheer scale of the screen combined with the frame rate and image clarity makes your body genuinely feel the velocity. Your vestibular system (the part of your inner ear that senses motion and balance) responds to the perceived motion on the screen.

There's also the social experience. Watching Formula 1 at home is a solitary activity (or shared with whoever's in your house). Watching it in a theater full of 100+ other passionate fans creates communal excitement. When Lewis Hamilton makes an impossible pass, the entire theater reacts. This collective emotion amplifies individual engagement with the event.

Sound is another dimension. A high-quality home theater system might cost

There's also something psychological about leaving your home to attend a live event. Even though it's not technically "live" in the sense of being present at the track, the act of going to a theater, paying admission, sitting in a crowded room with other fans—it triggers the same excitement neurologically as attending a live event. Your brain categorizes this as "a thing I went out for," not "something I watched at home."

The Business Model: Why This Deal Works for Everyone

Let's look at the economics of why both Apple and IMAX are excited about this arrangement.

For Apple

Apple's five-year exclusive US broadcast deal for Formula 1 is expensive. Reports suggest the deal is worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually. That's a massive investment that needs to generate returns through Apple TV+ subscriptions.

The IMAX partnership helps in several ways. First, it creates unique value propositions. If you want to watch F1 in IMAX, you need an Apple TV+ subscription (because Apple controls the distribution). Second, it generates media buzz and marketing. These IMAX broadcasts will be discussed heavily in sports media, driving awareness of Apple TV+. Third, it justifies premium pricing. Apple can argue that their F1 coverage is better than any other broadcaster because they're offering experiences other networks can't match.

There's also the long-term strategic angle. Apple is building expertise in live sports broadcasting. They're learning what works, what doesn't, and how to differentiate. Future sports deals—whether soccer, basketball, or other events—will benefit from the institutional knowledge Apple gains from their F1 investment.

For IMAX

IMAX has a serious problem: declining theater attendance and competition from streaming services. The number of IMAX screens globally has remained relatively flat in recent years, but the content that's IMAX-exclusive has shrunk. Most major films now premiere on streaming platforms shortly after theatrical release, reducing the imperative to see something in IMAX.

Live sports is a potential lifeline. Sports can't be watched on streaming services "later." If you miss a race, it's an opportunity lost. This drives people to theaters because the IMAX experience is the only way to experience live F1 in that immersive format.

Beyond F1, this deal is a proof of concept for IMAX's future. If live F1 broadcasts in IMAX work—if they draw audiences and fill theaters—IMAX can pitch similar arrangements to other sports broadcasters. Imagine watching March Madness basketball in IMAX. The Super Bowl in IMAX. Tennis Grand Slams. IMAX has a massive opportunity if this F1 experiment succeeds.

The deal also strengthens IMAX's hand with studios and distributors. They're not just a passive exhibition medium—they're an active partner in creating premium experiences. That positioning helps IMAX negotiate better terms and secure exclusive content.

For Formula 1

Formula 1 benefits from expanded audience reach. The more ways people can watch and experience F1, the bigger the sport grows. IMAX screenings in 50+ US theaters represent exposure to new audiences who might not be core F1 fans but could become fans through the immersive experience.

There's also the prestige angle. F1 is actively positioning itself as a premium product. Only premium products get IMAX releases. By associating F1 with IMAX, the sport reinforces its premium positioning globally.

The partnership between Apple and IMAX is projected to significantly boost Apple TV+ subscriptions and IMAX theater attendance, while also enhancing Apple's live sports expertise. (Estimated data)

The Technology Stack: What It Takes to Make This Happen

Broadcasting live Formula 1 racing to IMAX theaters in real-time is an enormous technical undertaking. Here's what's involved.

Distribution Infrastructure

Apple needs to distribute a high-bandwidth signal to 50+ IMAX theaters simultaneously, in real-time, without buffering or interruption. That's not a trivial problem. A single IMAX projection system might require 6-8 Mbps of sustained bandwidth for 4K or 8K content (accounting for redundancy and buffering). Multiple theaters, multiple shows, potentially multiple camera angles—the total bandwidth requirement could exceed 1,000+ Mbps of sustained throughput.

Apple likely uses their own content delivery network (CDN) or partners with a premium CDN provider like Akamai or Limelight to ensure the signal reaches theaters with minimal latency and maximum reliability. Even a 2-second delay in a live sports broadcast is noticeable and distracting.

Signal Monitoring and Redundancy

Apple needs to monitor every IMAX theater's reception continuously. If a theater starts experiencing issues, the system needs to automatically reroute the signal through backup connections. For a major race like Monaco, losing any theater to signal degradation is unacceptable—ticket refunds, lawsuits, and PR nightmares follow.

This means multiple simultaneous feeds to each theater, with automatic failover. If the primary connection fails, within milliseconds the backup takes over. The audience shouldn't notice anything wrong.

Camera Control and Remote Production

Unlike a traditional film release where content is complete before distribution, live F1 broadcasting requires real-time directorial decisions. Which camera angle should be shown? When should the broadcast cut to on-board cameras? When should it show pit stops or driver reactions?

For IMAX broadcasts, these decisions happen with the specific IMAX format in mind. The production control room has to know how each shot will look on a 117-foot screen and make choices accordingly. This might mean different camera angles than the standard broadcast, or different timing of cuts.

Audio Mixing and Immersive Sound

The audio needs to be specially mixed for IMAX's multi-speaker system. This isn't stereo or even 5.1 surround. Modern IMAX systems use advanced immersive audio with speakers distributed throughout the theater. The mix needs to position audio spatially—engine sounds positioned left when a car passes left, rear speaker activity when something happens behind the seating area, discrete surround channels for crowd noise.

This mixing happens in real-time or near-real-time during the broadcast, adding another layer of complexity.

Backup Everything

Apple will run multiple backup systems. What happens if the primary broadcast signal fails? There's a backup signal. What happens if the backup fails? There are tertiary and quaternary backups. For a major event like Monaco, the cost of failure is so high that no amount of redundancy is excessive.

Regional Market Implications: What This Means for Your City

The IMAX F1 broadcasts are limited to select IMAX theaters in the US. That raises the question: which theaters will carry these broadcasts?

Likely candidates are IMAX locations in major metropolitan areas with established F1 fanbases: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, and other major cities. Some IMAX theaters in smaller markets might also carry the broadcasts, but availability will definitely be limited.

This creates an interesting market dynamic. IMAX theaters with F1 broadcasts will draw larger crowds than competitors. If you're an IMAX theater operator, securing F1 content is a strategic asset. If you're not, you're at a competitive disadvantage.

For consumers, it means planning ahead. You'll need to identify which theater near you will carry the IMAX F1 broadcasts, then buy tickets well in advance. For major races like Monaco, these showings could sell out within hours.

There's also a question of whether Apple and IMAX will expand beyond five races if the experiment succeeds. Imagine if, by October 2026, all 24 races of the F1 season are available in IMAX. That becomes a legitimate reason for F1 fans to consider IMAX theaters as the primary viewing venue for the sport.

The Miami and Monaco Grand Prix are selected for their high audience appeal and prestige, making them ideal for IMAX's immersive experience. (Estimated data)

The Competitive Landscape: What Other Sports Networks Are Watching

This Apple-IMAX partnership isn't happening in isolation. Other sports broadcasters and networks are absolutely watching this experiment closely.

ESPN, Fox Sports, and other traditional sports networks have broadcast rights to various sports but haven't invested heavily in IMAX experiences. If Apple and IMAX prove that live sports in IMAX draws audiences and generates revenue, you can expect other networks to follow suit.

Imagine the Super Bowl in IMAX. March Madness basketball in IMAX. The World Series in IMAX. These aren't far-fetched ideas—they're logical extensions of what Apple is pioneering with Formula 1.

Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video (which carries Thursday Night Football) and ESPN (which has exclusive sports content across multiple leagues) might pursue similar IMAX partnerships. The technology is available, the audience desire is there, and the business model works if managed correctly.

There's also the possibility that IMAX expands beyond traditional Hollywood studios to become a major platform for live events of all types—not just sports, but concerts, gaming events, esports tournaments, and other premium experiences that benefit from immersive formats.

Challenges and Realistic Limitations

Let's be honest about the challenges this partnership faces.

First, the experience is expensive. An IMAX ticket for a movie typically costs

Second, availability is limited. You need to live near an IMAX theater that's carrying the broadcast. Rural areas are completely shut out. Even in cities with IMAX locations, there might not be one nearby. This limits the potential audience to maybe 10-20% of the US population at most.

Third, the experience depends heavily on crowd size. If only 30 people show up to watch Monaco in a 400-seat theater, the communal excitement diminishes. IMAX theaters and Apple need to ensure they're showing races at times and in sufficient quantity to build communities of fans at each location.

Fourth, there's the technical risk. A single technical failure during a major race would be a PR disaster. "IMAX F1 Broadcast Fails During Monaco" would be a headline nobody wants. The redundancy systems have to work perfectly, which means the complexity and cost of execution increases significantly.

Fifth, sporting events are inherently unpredictable. A race could be boring or decided by a crash on lap 5. IMAX broadcasts are selling an experience, not guaranteed entertainment. Some races might underwhelm, which could impact future ticket sales.

The Future of Live Sports Broadcasting

This Apple-IMAX partnership signals a major shift in how live sports will be distributed and experienced in the coming decade.

Traditional television (cable and satellite) is in decline. Streaming is replacing it, but streaming has a uniformity problem. Whether you're watching on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV, the experience is essentially the same. The only variable is screen size, and many people watch on relatively small screens.

Apple and IMAX are proving that there's value in creating premium, differentiated experiences for major sporting events. Live is already the strongest competitive advantage sports has against streaming entertainment. By adding immersion and scale, live sports becomes even more compelling.

Look for this trend to expand significantly. Within 5-10 years, the biggest sporting events might have multiple distribution options: standard streaming on your TV, premium IMAX theater experiences, even virtual reality experiences for fans willing to don a headset. Broadcasters will price these differently to capture value from different audience segments.

Formula 1 is the perfect sport to pioneer this because the fanbase is globally distributed, wealthy (more disposable income), and passionate. They're willing to travel and pay premium prices for premium experiences. Testing the concept with F1 makes sense before rolling it out to more mainstream sports.

The long-term implications are profound. Sporting venues might decline in importance if fans can have better experiences in theaters or at home. Or, sporting venues might evolve to include premium theater-style seating that mimics IMAX experiences. The business model of professional sports could transform entirely.

How to Access IMAX Formula 1 Broadcasts

Practically speaking, here's what you need to do to watch Formula 1 in IMAX format in 2026.

First, you'll need an active Apple TV+ subscription. These are the broadcasts Apple is distributing, so access requires subscribing to Apple's service. (You might not need an active subscription if you're buying IMAX theater tickets to watch locally, but to engage with any supplementary content or pre-race material, Apple TV+ membership will likely be beneficial.)

Second, identify which IMAX theaters near you will be carrying the broadcasts. Apple and IMAX haven't published a full list, but once the 2026 season approaches, both companies will announce participating locations. Check the IMAX website regularly starting in late 2025 for location announcements.

Third, buy tickets early. For major races, especially Monaco, these IMAX showings will sell out. The earlier you book, the better your seat selection and assurance of availability.

Fourth, plan to arrive early. Get to the theater 30-45 minutes before the broadcast starts. This gives you time to grab refreshments, find your seat, and mentally prepare for the experience. You want to be settled in before the pre-race show begins.

Fifth, silence your phone. This is a live event. The broadcast won't pause if you take a call. The communal experience works best when everyone is focused.

Sixth, prepare for an emotional experience. If you're an F1 fan, watching your favorite driver or team on a 117-foot screen with 100+ other passionate fans is going to be intense. Bring tissues if you're prone to getting emotional during sports.

The Marketing Angle: How Apple Will Promote This

Apple doesn't typically engage in traditional advertising, but they will absolutely market the IMAX F1 experience. Expect to see:

Social media campaigns showing the scale of IMAX screens and clips of F1 racing on those screens. Think visually stunning content that emphasizes the immensity of the format.

PR campaigns in sports media, technology media, and mainstream media. "Apple Brings Formula 1 to IMAX" is a story that appeals to general audiences, not just car enthusiasts.

In-app promotion within Apple TV+ highlighting the IMAX broadcasts. Every subscriber will see promos for these races, with easy access to purchase IMAX tickets directly from the app.

Partnerships with car companies and luxury brands. IMAX F1 broadcasts appeal to affluent audiences. Expect tie-ins with premium automotive and lifestyle brands.

Influencer partnerships. Apple will likely provide early access to major F1 content creators and influencers, encouraging them to share their experiences with their audiences.

The campaign will emphasize what you gain by seeing F1 in IMAX that you can't get anywhere else. The sensation, the scale, the communal experience. Apple is selling an experience, not just sports content.

Comparing IMAX vs. Watching at Home

Let's do a direct comparison of the experiences and costs.

IMAX Theater Broadcast

Experience: 117-foot screen, immersive sound, communal atmosphere, premium seating Cost: ~

Streaming at Home (Apple TV+)

Experience: Home screen (55-85 inches typically), home stereo, solitary or with people at home, comfortable couch Cost:

At the Track (Actual Race Attendance)

Experience: Live event, physical presence, paddock access (depending on ticket), unpredictable weather, pit lane excitement Cost:

For most fans, the value proposition of IMAX is interesting. It's much cheaper and more accessible than attending races in person, but offers a more immersive and social experience than home streaming.

Timeline: What to Expect When

Here's a rough timeline of what's coming and when:

Late 2025: Apple and IMAX will announce final IMAX theater locations carrying F1 broadcasts. The announcements will likely happen on Apple's website and through press releases sent to sports media.

Early 2026: Ticketing systems will go live. You'll be able to purchase seats at participating IMAX theaters for the five races. Major races like Monaco will likely sell out quickly.

May 3, 2026: The Miami Grand Prix becomes the first live Formula 1 race broadcast in IMAX format worldwide. This is the test case. If successful, the remaining broadcasts will happen as planned. If there are problems, Apple and IMAX will address them before Monaco.

May through October 2026: The four remaining races screen in IMAX. Each broadcast will drive media attention and word-of-mouth marketing.

Late 2026: Apple and IMAX will evaluate the success of the pilot program. Attendance numbers, ticket sales, customer satisfaction, technical performance—all of this will inform whether the partnership continues or expands.

2027 and beyond: If the experiment succeeds, expect announcements about expanding to more races in the 2027 season, or potentially other sports and events in IMAX format.

FAQ

What is the Apple-IMAX Formula 1 partnership?

Apple TV+, which holds exclusive US broadcast rights to Formula 1, is partnering with IMAX to show five live races from the 2026 season on IMAX's largest theater screens. This includes the Miami Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, British Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, and United States Grand Prix. The races will be broadcast live at select IMAX theaters across the US simultaneously with the standard television broadcast.

Which races will be shown in IMAX?

The five races are: Miami Grand Prix (May 3, 2026), Monaco Grand Prix (June 7, 2026), British Grand Prix (July 5, 2026), Italian Grand Prix (September 6, 2026), and United States Grand Prix (October 25, 2026). These were specifically selected for their visual appeal, prestige, and audience interest. Each race offers different visual characteristics—Monaco's precision racing, Monza's high speed, Miami's glamour, Silverstone's history, and Austin's technical layout.

How much will IMAX F1 tickets cost?

Pricing hasn't been officially announced, but industry experts expect IMAX F1 tickets to cost

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch in IMAX theaters?

Not necessarily. You'll be able to purchase theater tickets directly from IMAX or Apple to watch the broadcast at participating IMAX locations. However, having an Apple TV+ subscription may provide additional benefits such as exclusive pre-race content, interviews, or supplementary material related to the broadcasts. For casual viewers just wanting to watch the race in IMAX, a theater ticket alone should be sufficient.

Why did Apple choose Formula 1 for this partnership?

Formula 1 is the ideal sport for IMAX expansion because it combines high-speed action, visual spectacle, global prestige, and a passionate, affluent fanbase. Apple's F1 feature film already proved that audiences will pay premium prices to experience F1 on large screens, grossing over $630 million globally. The sport is also experiencing explosive growth in the United States, driven by increased American viewership and the success of the Netflix documentary series. These factors made F1 the perfect proving ground for live sports in IMAX format.

Will more races be added after 2026?

That depends on the success of the pilot program. If the five 2026 races draw strong attendance and positive reviews, Apple and IMAX will likely announce expansion for future seasons. This could mean more races each year, or potentially expanding the partnership to cover the entire F1 calendar. However, no commitments beyond 2026 have been publicly announced yet.

How many IMAX theaters will carry F1 broadcasts?

The partnership is confirmed for "select IMAX theaters in the US," with reports suggesting over 50 theaters will participate. However, the complete list hasn't been published. Apple and IMAX will announce participating locations closer to the 2026 season. Major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco, Austin) are likely to have multiple locations, while smaller markets may have limited options.

What about fans outside the United States?

Currently, the partnership is limited to the United States. International IMAX theaters are not mentioned in the deal. However, if the US experiment proves successful, it's possible that Apple and IMAX could expand to international markets in future seasons. Fans outside the US may need to rely on standard Apple TV+ streaming or their regional broadcasters for F1 access.

How will IMAX broadcasting differ from standard TV broadcasts?

IMAX broadcasts will be specifically formatted for IMAX's unique aspect ratio (1.43:1 versus standard widescreen 16:9) and screened on massive screens up to 117 feet wide. The camera work, directing, and audio mixing will be tailored for the immersive IMAX experience. Sound design will take advantage of IMAX's premium multi-speaker systems. The visual experience will emphasize the speed, scale, and intensity of Formula 1 in ways that standard TV broadcasts can't match due to the screen size and immersive technology.

Can I watch these races on standard Apple TV+ streaming at home?

Yes. The five IMAX-broadcast races will be simultaneously available on Apple TV+ for standard streaming on televisions, devices, and computers. The IMAX broadcasts are an additional premium option, not a replacement for standard streaming. All F1 fans will have access to these races through their regular Apple TV+ subscription.

What if technical issues interrupt the IMAX broadcast?

Apple and IMAX are designing the broadcast infrastructure with extensive redundancy to minimize the risk of technical failures. This includes multiple backup signals and monitoring systems at each theater location. In the unlikely event of a technical failure affecting a large number of theaters, Apple would likely offer refunds or credits for future broadcasts. However, these contingencies haven't been officially detailed and will depend on the specific circumstances.

Final Thoughts: A Watershed Moment for Sports Broadcasting

Apple and IMAX's Formula 1 partnership represents something genuinely novel. It's not just another sports deal. It's a fundamental reimagining of how live sporting events can be experienced and distributed.

For decades, sports broadcasting has followed the television model. One camera angle, one experience, fits all. You watch on whatever device you own, and the experience is standard. Streaming didn't change that fundamental model—it just made it more convenient.

Now Apple and IMAX are saying: "What if the experience could be radically different? What if watching sports could be immersive in ways that require you to show up, be present, and engage with other fans?"

That's not a small idea. That's asking fundamental questions about the future of sports consumption. Will the biggest, most prestigious sporting events eventually be distributed across multiple formats—streaming for convenience, IMAX for immersion, stadiums for authenticity? Will fans choose based on their preference for each event?

Formula 1 is the perfect testing ground. The fanbase is global, passionate, and willing to spend. The sport is visually stunning and benefits massively from immersive formats. The business model works for both Apple and IMAX. There's nothing preventing success except execution.

If this partnership succeeds—if audiences show up, if technical execution is flawless, if reviews are positive—you can expect this model to spread rapidly to other sports. The Super Bowl in IMAX. March Madness in IMAX. The World Series in IMAX. These aren't sci-fi predictions; they're logical extensions of what's being tested right now with Formula 1.

The traditional sports broadcasting industry will have to adapt. Regional sports networks, cable broadcasters, and streaming services will all feel pressure to innovate and offer premium experiences that match what Apple and IMAX are pioneering.

For fans, this is genuinely exciting. More options, more immersive ways to experience the sports you love, and a future where the barrier between being trackside and watching remotely becomes blurred.

Mark your calendar for May 3, 2026, when Formula 1 comes to IMAX. It might be the start of something really big.

Key Takeaways

• Apple TV+ and IMAX will broadcast five live Formula 1 races from 2026 at select US IMAX theaters, creating the first live F1 broadcasts in immersive large-format cinema
• The five races selected are Monaco Grand Prix, Miami Grand Prix, British Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, and United States Grand Prix, chosen for their visual appeal and global prestige
• IMAX screens are 40 times larger than standard home TVs with viewing angles of 80-120 degrees, creating genuinely immersive sensory experiences impossible to replicate at home
• Apple's $630 million-grossing F1 feature film proved audience appetite for premium F1 experiences, directly justifying the IMAX broadcast partnership expansion
• IMAX tickets will likely cost
  $25-$
  35, significantly less than
  $2,000-$
  5,000+ for track attendance while offering substantially more immersion than home streaming
• This partnership signals a broader shift in sports broadcasting toward multiple premium distribution formats, with potential expansion to other sports like football, basketball, and tennis

Related Articles

• Apple TV's Formula 1 Channel Explained: What to Know in 2025
• How to Get F1TV with Apple TV Subscription [2025]
• How to Watch Pairs Figure Skating Finale 2026 Winter Olympics Free [2025]
• How to Watch NBA All-Star 2026: Live Streams & TV Channels [2025]
• How to Watch Super League 2026 Free Streams [2025]
• F1 2026 Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Live Streams: Complete Viewing Guide [2025]