How to Get F1TV with Apple TV Subscription [2025]

Formula 1 just got a whole lot more accessible for Apple users, and honestly, it's a game changer for how fans in the United States experience race weekends. If you've been wondering whether you can finally ditch that separate F1TV subscription and consolidate everything into your existing Apple TV+ account, the short answer is yes—but there's some nuance here worth understanding.

Back in 2024, Apple TV secured exclusive broadcasting rights to all Formula 1 races in the United States through 2030. This wasn't just a partnership announcement—it fundamentally changed how millions of American F1 fans access the sport. Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions and app ecosystems, you can now integrate F1TV directly into your Apple experience.

Here's what you need to know. Apple TV subscribers get complete access to every practice session, qualifying round, sprint race, and Grand Prix throughout the entire season. That means every moment of a race weekend is available on demand through the F1TV app when you link your Apple account. The integration is seamless once you understand the setup process, though there are some edge cases and nuances that can catch people off guard.

The beauty of this arrangement is that it simplifies your streaming life considerably. No more remembering five different passwords. No more paying two separate companies. No more explaining to your family members why you need yet another subscription. Everything feeds through your Apple ecosystem, which is particularly convenient if you're already deep in that world with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV device.

But this article isn't just about the basic setup—that's the easy part. We're going to dive deep into everything you need to know about accessing F1TV through Apple TV, including the specific content you get, how to handle overlapping subscriptions if you already have F1TV directly, what happens if you don't want to pay for Apple TV, how the viewing experience compares across different devices, and what to expect as the 2025 season unfolds.

TL; DR

• Apple TV subscribers get full F1TV access including all practice, qualifying, sprints, and Grand Prix races by linking their Apple account
• Setup takes 5 minutes: Create or link an F1TV account through the Apple TV app using your Apple credentials
• Cancel any duplicate subscriptions if you previously paid F1TV directly to avoid double-charging
• Free tier exists but is limited to select races and practice sessions for non-Apple TV subscribers
• Full content includes multi-view, onboard cameras, and live telemetry available exclusively in the F1TV app, not the main Apple TV app

Apple TV+ costs $40 more annually than F1TV Pro for F1 fans. However, Apple One bundles offer additional services, potentially providing better value for users already using other Apple services.

Understanding Apple's F1 Broadcasting Rights and What Changed

When Apple TV acquired exclusive rights to Formula 1 broadcasting in the United States for the 2026 through 2030 seasons, it represented a seismic shift in how American fans experience the sport. Prior to this deal, F1 was scattered across multiple broadcasters—ESPN, ESPN2, ABC—with fans needing cable subscriptions or separate streaming services to catch every moment. The consolidation under Apple TV eliminated that fragmentation.

What Apple actually bought wasn't just the right to broadcast races. The company secured the complete race weekend experience: every practice session, every qualifying session, sprint races where applicable, and of course the main Grand Prix race itself. This is fundamentally different from traditional broadcast television, which typically only shows a few hours of live race content per weekend. Streaming affords the luxury of offering comprehensive coverage.

The 2026 start date is crucial here. We're currently in a transitional period where the 2025 season is already underway with Apple TV providing access, but technically the exclusive contract takes full effect in 2026. This means there's some overlap and experimentation happening right now as Apple figures out the technical execution while ESPN still handles some legacy broadcast obligations.

For Apple, this wasn't just about adding sports content to their streaming arsenal. Formula 1 has an incredibly affluent, engaged audience with high lifetime value. F1 fans tend to be younger than traditional sports audiences, they're international, they're willing to pay premium prices, and they're passionate about quality coverage. They're the exact demographic Apple wants to keep subscribed to Apple TV+.

The deal also means that Apple has invested heavily in F1 production. They're not just rebroadcasting existing content. Apple is producing their own commentary, graphics, camera angles, and features specifically for their platform. This investment in production quality is why Apple TV's F1 coverage feels distinctly different from what ESPN used to offer—it's built from the ground up for streaming rather than adapted from traditional broadcast television.

Understanding this context matters because it explains why certain features are available through the F1TV app specifically (which is owned by Formula 1) versus the main Apple TV app. Apple TV is the distribution platform and billing mechanism. F1TV is the specialized app built specifically for comprehensive Formula 1 coverage. You need both in the picture to get the full experience.

F1TV offers comprehensive features for Apple TV subscribers, including live race coverage and multi-view camera options. Estimated data based on typical streaming service features.

How to Access F1TV Through Your Apple TV Subscription

The actual setup process is refreshingly straightforward, which might be why many people miss steps or create duplicate subscriptions accidentally. Let's break down exactly what you need to do, step by step.

First, make sure you have an active Apple TV subscription. This needs to be through Apple itself—either Apple TV+ standalone or as part of Apple One. If you're using a third-party bundle or getting Apple TV through your cable provider, you may face additional complications that we'll address later. Your Apple TV subscription status needs to be active and current to link F1TV.

Next, you need to access the F1TV app. If you don't have it installed yet, download it from your device's app store—iOS App Store, Google Play if you're on Android, or the tvOS App Store if you're using an Apple TV device. The app is free to download; you're not paying separately for the app itself.

Open the F1TV app and look for the login or account creation screen. Here's the critical part: instead of creating a new F1TV account with an email and password like you might have done in the past, you'll see an option to "Sign in with Apple" or "Link Apple Account." Click this option. Don't create a new account first—that creates unnecessary complications.

When you click "Sign in with Apple," you'll be directed through Apple's authentication flow. This is the same process you use to sign into other apps with your Apple ID. You'll verify your identity (Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple password), and then confirm that you're allowing F1TV to access your account information.

Apple will ask you to confirm a few pieces of information that F1TV needs: typically your name and email address. You can choose whether to share your real email with F1TV or have Apple create a unique relay email address. Either option works fine; it's a privacy preference.

Once you confirm, you're done. The F1TV app will now show that you're authenticated with an active subscription linked to your Apple TV account. The entire process takes approximately three to four minutes from start to finish. You're not entering credit card information—Apple handles billing through your existing Apple TV subscription.

If you already have an existing F1TV subscription that you paid for directly, you'll now see two subscriptions in your account. One will show your original direct subscription with its renewal date, and a new one will appear labeled as "Official U.S. broadcaster of Formula 1" with the Apple TV logo next to it. This is where people make mistakes—they see both subscriptions and don't realize they need to cancel one.

Navigate to the F1TV app's account settings and find the option to manage subscriptions. This is usually in the app's menu under "Account" or "My Subscription." You'll see both subscriptions listed. Cancel the one you're paying directly for—the one that doesn't have the Apple TV logo. You can do this directly in the app, or you can go to F1TV's website and manage it through your account there.

Always cancel your old direct subscription before it renews. Otherwise, you'll get charged twice for one race weekend, and then you'll have to deal with a refund process. The safest approach is to cancel it immediately upon linking your Apple account, rather than waiting until closer to the next billing date.

What Content Do You Actually Get Access To?

This is where things get interesting and occasionally frustrating. Apple TV subscribers get comprehensive access to F1 content, but not necessarily through the app you might expect. Understanding the content breakdown prevents disappointment and confusion.

You get complete access to all Formula 1 race weekend content through the F1TV app. That includes every practice session (usually three per weekend), qualifying sessions, sprint races where they occur, and the main Grand Prix race. You can watch live or on demand—F1TV makes every bit of content available to replay for several weeks after the race weekend.

The video quality is excellent. F1TV streams at up to 4K resolution on compatible devices, which is genuinely impressive for sports streaming. The frame rates are smooth, the encoding quality is high, and the stream is generally very reliable. If you're watching on a 4K television with a good internet connection, Formula 1 actually looks better through F1TV than it does through traditional broadcast television.

Beyond just the raw race footage, F1TV includes all the supplementary content that serious fans want. Multi-view functionality lets you switch between multiple camera angles during the race—focus on your favorite driver's on-board camera, watch the pit stops from the pit camera, or follow lap-by-lap battles from multiple angles simultaneously. This feature alone is why many hardcore fans consider F1TV essential.

Onboard cameras from every car are available during practice and qualifying as well as the race itself. Want to experience what it's like from Lewis Hamilton's perspective going through Silverstone's high-speed Copse corner? You can do that. Want to see how a midfield driver manages tire temperature during a safety car period? There's a feed for that.

Live timing and telemetry are included—you can watch real-time data about each car's fuel load, tire degradation, lap times, and comparative performance. For people who follow Formula 1 with genuine enthusiasm, this telemetry access is addictive. You're not just watching a race; you're understanding the mechanical and strategic chess game happening underneath the visual spectacle.

Live team radio is available, which means you hear driver-to-engineer communications, strategy calls being made, and the real-time problems teams are dealing with. This is particularly entertaining because F1 drivers occasionally express themselves colorfully when frustrated, and you get uncensored access to those moments.

Now, here's the important caveat: all of these premium features—multi-view, onboard cameras, live timing, team radio, telemetry—are available through the F1TV app specifically. The main Apple TV app does not include these features. You can't watch multi-view from the Apple TV app. You can't access team radio from Apple TV's interface. You have to use the F1TV app to get the full premium experience.

This distinction matters for user experience. Some people assume that since F1 content is now part of their Apple TV subscription, they'll watch it through the Apple TV app like they watch other content. Then they're disappointed when they open Apple TV and find only basic race information, not the full suite of F1TV features. You need to intentionally open the F1TV app to access comprehensive coverage.

Apple hasn't released detailed specifications about exactly what content appears where, but the general principle is that Apple TV app shows basic race information and perhaps highlights, while the F1TV app is where you go for everything else. Think of F1TV as the specialized tool built by Formula 1, and Apple TV as the distribution platform that makes it accessible through your subscription.

Apple TV+ provides broader content access but at a higher cost compared to F1TV Pro. Free content is limited to select races and practice sessions. Estimated data.

Handling Existing F1TV Subscriptions and Avoiding Double Charges

If you've been an F1 fan for a few years, you probably already have an F1TV subscription that you've been paying for directly. This creates a temporary overlap situation that requires attention to avoid accidentally charging yourself twice.

When you link your Apple account, the system doesn't automatically cancel your old subscription. This is actually a reasonable design choice by Apple and F1—they don't want to automatically cancel subscriptions without confirmation, because that could leave someone without access if something goes wrong with the linkage. However, it means the responsibility falls on you to actively cancel the old subscription.

You have three days from the date you link your Apple account to cancel your old F1TV subscription without being charged again. If your old subscription is set to renew on March 15, and you link your Apple account on March 10, you need to cancel by March 13 to avoid a duplicate charge on March 15.

To cancel your old subscription, open the F1TV app and navigate to Account Settings. Look for "My Subscription" or similar language. You'll see both subscriptions listed separately—your old direct subscription and your new Apple TV-linked subscription. Select the old direct subscription and choose "Cancel Subscription." You'll be asked to confirm the cancellation, possibly with retention offers like a discount. Ignore these and confirm the cancellation.

Alternatively, you can manage this through F1TV's website on your computer. Log in to your account at f1tv.formula1.com, navigate to your account settings, and find subscription management there. The web interface sometimes provides clearer options for viewing multiple subscriptions and managing each one separately.

If you miss the three-day window and get double-charged, don't panic. Contact F1TV's customer support and explain that you accidentally maintained two subscriptions due to the Apple integration. They're generally understanding about this transition issue and will process a refund for the duplicate charge. Have your payment confirmation email ready when you contact them.

The reverse scenario also matters: if you currently don't have F1TV but do have Apple TV, you don't need to do anything special. Your Apple TV subscription automatically grants you F1TV access when you link your account through the F1TV app. You're not paying anything additional.

If you have Apple TV but don't want to use the F1TV app, you can simply not download it and skip the linking process. Your Apple TV subscription remains valid for all other content. F1TV access is added on top of your existing Apple TV subscription, not replacing anything or forcing you to use it.

Setting Up F1TV on Different Apple Devices

One of the genuine advantages of Apple's ecosystem is that once you set something up on one device, it propagates across all your hardware. F1TV access works the same way, but with some important nuances depending on which devices you're using.

iPhone and iPad Setup

Download the F1TV app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Open it, select "Sign in with Apple," and complete the authentication process using Face ID or your Apple password. This is the easiest way to get started because you're already authenticated on your iPhone, so the process is almost instant.

Once you're signed in on iPhone, your iPad with the same Apple ID automatically has the same F1TV access. You don't need to log in separately on the iPad. Open the F1TV app on iPad, and it should recognize your Apple ID and grant immediate access. If it doesn't, try signing out and back in once.

Watching on mobile devices is excellent for catching races when you're away from home, but the small screen obviously limits the visual experience. The advantages are convenience and battery life. Disadvantages are the small screen and the fact that features like multi-view become harder to use effectively. You're essentially making a trade-off between portability and immersive experience.

Mac Setup

On macOS, the F1TV app is available through the App Store. Download it, open it, and sign in with your Apple ID. The process is nearly identical to iOS, except you'll authenticate using your Apple password rather than biometrics (unless your Mac has Face ID, which some newer models do).

Watching on Mac is surprisingly good if you have a large display. A 27-inch or larger monitor gives you enough screen real estate to appreciate the visual quality of Formula 1 coverage without the physical constraints of a television setup. Macs can also stream to Apple TV devices using AirPlay, which we'll cover next.

Apple TV Device Setup

If you have an Apple TV box connected to your living room television, this is where the full experience comes alive. Download the F1TV app on your Apple TV device. You'll be asked to sign in, and here's where the process differs slightly: you may be directed to a website URL to complete authentication rather than signing in directly on the TV device.

When you're asked to log in, the Apple TV will display a unique code. Go to the URL shown on your screen (usually tv.apple.com/activate or something similar), enter the code, and complete authentication there using your iPhone or computer. This design exists because typing passwords on a TV is miserable. Once you complete web authentication, the Apple TV instantly recognizes that you've authenticated and grants F1TV access.

Watching Formula 1 on your main television through an Apple TV device provides the best overall experience. You get the full visual quality of 4K streaming on a large screen, full access to all F1TV features including multi-view and statistics overlays, and the ability to use your remote control intuitively. This is the setup most serious F1 fans prefer.

Smart TV Apps

If you have a Samsung, LG, Roku, or other smart television, the situation gets more complex. F1TV is available on most smart TV platforms, but you'll need to sign in directly through the smart TV app rather than relying on Apple TV integration.

Download the F1TV app directly from your smart TV's app store. Sign in using the same Apple ID you've been using. The app will recognize your Apple TV subscription and grant access without requiring a separate payment. You might need to verify your subscription status through Apple's servers, but the login process is straightforward.

The advantage of smart TV apps is that you don't need an Apple TV device; your television becomes the interface directly. The disadvantage is that smart TV apps tend to be slower and less polished than purpose-built Apple TV apps. There's usually a noticeable difference in responsiveness and overall user experience. If you have the choice, the Apple TV device provides a better experience.

Formula 1's viewership in the U.S. has grown significantly, with a 240% increase since 2019. This trend is expected to continue, especially with Apple's exclusive broadcasting rights starting in 2026. (Estimated data)

Free F1 Content and the Select Races Policy

Apple's arrangement includes a tiered access system. Apple TV subscribers get everything. But what if you don't have Apple TV? Where do you stand?

Formula 1 still wants to attract new viewers and keep the sport in the cultural consciousness. To support this, they maintain a free tier of content through F1TV. However, the free tier is intentionally limited to encourage upgrades. You can watch select races and some practice sessions without paying for anything.

The specifics of which races qualify as "select races" haven't been detailed precisely by Apple or F1. This is deliberately vague, probably because they reserve the right to change the free offering based on viewership data and business strategy. Generally, expect that one or two races per season might be available free, probably strategically chosen races that would generate maximum public interest—perhaps an American Grand Prix or a particularly prestigious venue.

Practice sessions are more reliably available free, though this is still subject to change. The pattern seems to be that F1 uses free access strategically to generate interest and let new viewers sample the product before asking them to pay.

From a business perspective, this makes sense. Formula 1's growth in American viewership came largely from Netflix's "Drive to Survive" documentary series, which introduced the sport to people who weren't already fans. Offering some free content on F1TV serves a similar function—it lowers the barrier to entry for curious non-subscribers.

If you don't have Apple TV and want to watch all F1 content, you have two options. You can purchase an F1TV Pro subscription directly from Formula 1 for approximately

Troubleshooting Common Issues and Complications

Despite the relatively straightforward setup, several things can go wrong or cause confusion. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Issue: You see a message that your Apple TV subscription isn't recognized

This usually means the F1TV system hasn't successfully verified your Apple TV subscription status with Apple's servers. Solution: Sign out completely from the F1TV app, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. This forces the app to re-query your subscription status. If this doesn't work, restart the F1TV app and try again.

If you're using Apple TV through a third-party provider (like a cable company's bundle), the integration might not work properly. Contact your cable provider to verify that you have legitimate Apple TV access, not just Apple channel access through their platform.

Issue: Your Apple TV subscription is active, but F1TV says it's not linked properly

This is often a timing issue. Apple takes a few hours to fully propagate subscription changes through their system. If you just subscribed to Apple TV, wait 4-6 hours before trying to link F1TV. If you're still having issues after that, sign out of your Apple ID on the F1TV app, wait a minute, and sign back in.

Occasionally, there are temporary outages on Apple's authentication servers. Check Apple's System Status page at apple.com/support/systemstatus to see if there are known authentication issues. If there are, simply wait for Apple to resolve them.

Issue: You're getting charged twice for F1TV subscriptions

This happened during the transition period when people linked their Apple accounts but forgot to cancel their old subscriptions. If this happened to you, contact F1TV customer support immediately with your payment confirmation emails. They'll process a refund for the duplicate charge. This usually takes 3-5 business days.

Issue: Multi-view isn't working or looks broken on your device

Multi-view requires a strong internet connection—ideally at least 25 Mbps for 4K multi-view. If your connection is slower, multi-view might not work. Switch to single-camera view or improve your internet connection.

Multi-view also requires a compatible device. Older Apple devices (iPhone 6s, iPad Air 1, etc.) might not have sufficient processing power or RAM to handle multi-view streaming smoothly. Newer devices (iPhone 12 and later, iPad Pro, Apple TV 4K) handle it without issues.

Issue: The F1TV app keeps crashing when you try to watch

This is usually a memory issue. Close all other apps running in the background, including web browsers. Restart the device completely. If you're on an iPhone or iPad, try offloading the F1TV app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > F1TV > Offload App) and then reinstalling it fresh.

Issue: You can't find the F1 content in the Apple TV app despite having access

Remember that F1 content is in the F1TV app, not the main Apple TV app. You must open the dedicated F1TV app to access races. If you're expecting F1 content to appear in your Apple TV app's main feed, that's not how this integration works currently. Always use the F1TV app for Formula 1 content.

iPhone and iPad offer the easiest setup due to shared Apple ID, while Apple TV provides the best viewing experience. Estimated data based on typical user feedback.

The F1TV App Experience: Features Beyond Just Watching Races

F1TV isn't just a streaming service for races. The app includes features that enhance your overall Formula 1 following experience throughout the year.

Replays and On-Demand Content

Every race and practice session remains available on-demand for weeks after airing. You're not limited to watching live. If you work Saturday nights, you can watch Sunday's qualifying session on Monday without spoilers (though good luck avoiding spoilers in the modern internet). F1TV remembers where you left off, so you can pause and resume seamlessly across devices.

They also maintain archived content going back several seasons. You can rewatch classic races from recent years, which is perfect if you're new to the sport and want to understand the storylines and rivalries.

Weekly Shows and Documentary Content

Beyond just the races themselves, F1TV produces original shows that cover the sport between races. There's content about driver profiles, team analysis, technical deep-dives, and behind-the-scenes footage. Not all of this content is exclusive to Apple TV subscribers, but subscribers get premium access to newer episodes.

Live Timing and Statistics

During races, you can overlay live timing data that shows real-time lap times, gap to leader, tire compound, fuel load, and comparative metrics. This feature is genuinely excellent for understanding what's happening tactically during the race. You can see immediately why a driver is falling back (maybe they're on a different strategy) or making up ground (fresh tires being deployed).

Driver and Team Pages

Each driver and team has a dedicated page within F1TV showing statistics, race history, standings, and quick facts. This is useful context when you're watching someone you don't know well and want quick background information without leaving the app.

Biometric Data and Telemetry Visualization

Some races include driver biometric data—heart rate, G-force during corners, breathing rates during high-intensity moments. This data is fascinating from a sports science perspective and adds another layer of understanding about the physical demands of Formula 1.

Comparing the Viewing Experience: Apple TV App vs. F1TV App vs. Traditional Broadcasting

Now that F1 is available through Apple TV and the dedicated F1TV app, it's worth understanding how this compares to how Americans used to watch Formula 1 through ESPN and ABC broadcasts.

Traditional ESPN/ABC Broadcasting

Traditional broadcast television typically shows the main Grand Prix race on race day, usually with a delay for the West Coast. You get professional commentary from well-established broadcasters, but you're limited to the producer's camera selection. You see what they want to show you, not necessarily what you want to watch.

Broadcasts include commercial breaks, which interrupt the action at inopportune moments. A thrilling battle between two drivers might be cut by an advertisement. Broadcast rights fees are lower than streaming, but quality is limited to 1080p at best, and you're locked into scheduled broadcast times.

F1TV App (via Apple TV Subscription)

F1TV gives you complete control over the viewing experience. You choose which camera to watch, whether you want commentary, whether you want to see telemetry, all without commercial interruption. The feed is uninterrupted from lights out until the checkered flag.

Quality reaches 4K on compatible devices. You can watch whenever you want—live or on-demand. The flexibility is extraordinary compared to traditional broadcasting. The downside is that if you're new to Formula 1, the lack of guided commentary or expert analysis can feel overwhelming. You're given all the information; figuring out what it means is your responsibility.

Main Apple TV App

The regular Apple TV app provides highlights, race summaries, and key moments. It's convenient and polished, but it's not the primary place to watch complete races if you have access to F1TV. Think of the Apple TV app as the casual viewer's entry point, and F1TV as the enthusiast's destination.

The Hybrid Approach

Most serious F1 fans use a combination. They use F1TV's multi-view during the race to see everything. They use highlights in the Apple TV app to quickly catch up if they missed part of the race. They use F1TV's replays to understand specific moments in detail. This hybrid approach gives you maximum flexibility and coverage.

Live Timing and Replays are the most engaging features of the F1TV app, providing real-time insights and flexible viewing options. (Estimated data)

What to Expect for the 2025 Season and Beyond

As we approach the first full season under Apple's exclusive broadcast deal, there are still some open questions about how the coverage will evolve and what additional features might be introduced.

Apple has significant experience with live sports streaming from their Friday Night Baseball MLS+ deals. They've learned what works and what doesn't with sports audiences. Expect them to apply those lessons to F1. This could include improved graphics, better pre-race analysis, enhanced social features, and tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem.

The 2025 and 2026 seasons will be somewhat experimental as Apple refines the experience. There might be occasional broadcast glitches or feature limitations that get fixed over time. This is normal for new sports coverage deals. By 2027-2028, the coverage should be extremely polished and refined.

One thing worth watching is whether Apple will introduce Apple TV+ exclusive content beyond just the races themselves. Documentary series similar to Netflix's "Drive to Survive" would be logical. A show following a team's season from the inside could be tremendously popular, especially with the built-in audience of Apple TV subscribers.

We should also expect international coverage to improve. Some markets have much better F1 coverage than others. As Apple invests in production, they might produce multiple language versions or region-specific commentary that didn't previously exist.

Pricing is another area to watch. Apple might eventually offer F1TV as a standalone add-on for people who don't want full Apple TV+ subscriptions. Or they might bundle it with sports-focused Apple One plans. The pricing strategy will likely evolve as they understand their audience better.

Device Compatibility and Requirements

Before setting up F1TV on your Apple devices, make sure you have compatible hardware. F1TV requires relatively recent software versions and reasonably capable hardware to stream smoothly.

iPhone and iPad Compatibility

F1TV requires iOS 14 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 14 or later on iPad. Essentially any iPhone from the last six years (iPhone 6s and later) supports the app. For the best experience, especially with 4K streaming and multi-view, you'll want iPhone 11 or later or iPad Pro (any generation).

Older devices might run the app, but the experience could be choppy, or certain features might not work properly. If you have an iPhone 6, 6s, or early iPad Air models, they'll technically run F1TV, but you might encounter performance issues during peak streaming times.

Mac Compatibility

Macs running macOS Monterey or later support the F1TV app. That covers essentially all Macs manufactured in the last five years. The app requires 4GB of RAM at minimum, but 8GB or more is recommended for smooth playback, especially with higher resolutions.

Apple TV Device Compatibility

Apple TV 4K (third generation) and later fully support F1TV. The older Apple TV HD (2015 and later) can technically run the app, but it lacks 4K capabilities, which limits video quality to 1080p. If you have an Apple TV 4K from 2017 or later, you're in excellent shape.

Apple TV box limitations are worth noting: they require tvOS 16 or later, so if you haven't updated your device in several years, you might need to update first.

Internet Requirements

F1TV's bandwidth requirements scale with quality. Basic 1080p streaming requires about 5 Mbps sustained. 4K streaming needs 25 Mbps or higher. Multi-view mode with 4K channels might require 50+ Mbps depending on how many simultaneous streams you're watching.

If you're watching on WiFi, make sure your WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 router is located reasonably close to your viewing device. Distance and walls significantly degrade WiFi speeds. Wired ethernet connections are ideal if your Apple TV device supports it.

Cost Analysis: Is the Apple TV Subscription Worth It for F1?

Apple TV+ costs approximately

The Math

If you subscribe to Apple TV+ specifically for F1 access, you're paying roughly

For someone who only cares about F1 and no other Apple TV content, the F1TV direct subscription is still cheaper. For someone who also watches Apple TV+ shows or wants the full sports experience, Apple TV+ becomes better value through consolidation.

Bundle Considerations

Apple One bundles (starting at $16.95/month) combine Apple TV+ with iCloud+ and Apple Music. If you're already paying for iCloud or Apple Music separately, bundling saves money and automatically includes F1TV access through Apple TV+. This fundamentally changes the cost calculation.

For a customer who pays separately for 200GB iCloud storage (

Long-term Value

Formula 1 runs 24 races per season. That's 24 Grand Prix races, plus practice sessions and qualifying sessions. If you watch most of these live and then re-watch interesting races, you're easily getting 40-50 hours of content per year just from F1.

For

The value proposition improves significantly if you use Apple TV+ for other content. If you watch an Apple TV+ show every week, suddenly you're getting both the show and F1 for the same subscription, and the value per hour of entertainment drops substantially.

Protecting Your Account and Privacy Considerations

When you link your Apple account to F1TV, you're creating a data connection between two major tech companies. It's worth understanding what information is shared and how to keep your account secure.

What Information F1TV Receives

When you link via "Sign in with Apple," you can control exactly what information Apple shares with F1TV. At minimum, F1TV gets your name and email address. Apple offers the option to hide your real email and instead generate a unique relay address that F1TV can contact you through.

F1TV also receives confirmation that you have an active Apple TV subscription, but Apple doesn't share your billing information, payment method, or other sensitive data. This is actually more secure than giving F1TV your credit card directly.

F1TV will additionally track your viewing behavior—which races you watch, when you watch them, what camera angles you select, and similar analytics. This data helps Formula 1 understand their audience and improve the service.

Account Security Best Practices

Your Apple account is now the master key to your F1TV access. If someone gains access to your Apple ID, they can also access your F1TV account. Protect your account using a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID if you haven't already.

Two-factor authentication means that even if someone steals your password, they can't access your account without also having access to your trusted device (your phone). This is free to enable and significantly improves security.

Don't share your Apple ID with family members, no matter how convenient it seems. Create separate family members in Apple's Family Sharing instead. This gives them their own accounts while letting you manage an Apple TV subscription that they can use.

Privacy Settings Within F1TV

Within the F1TV app, you can usually adjust what data F1 collects about your viewing behavior. Not all of this data is automatically sent to advertisers or third parties, but it's stored by F1 and used for analytics. If you prefer to minimize tracking, check F1TV's privacy settings and opt out of non-essential data collection where available.

Regional and International Considerations

F1TV's Apple TV integration is specific to the United States. If you travel internationally or move outside the US, access might be limited or blocked entirely.

Watching F1 Outside the United States

Formula 1's broadcasting rights are sold country by country, so different regions have different broadcasters and streaming services. The integration with Apple TV is specific to the US market. If you're traveling in Canada, Europe, or elsewhere, F1TV might not recognize your Apple TV subscription.

You have a few options. If you have a VPN, you could potentially access F1TV as if you were still in the US, though this violates F1's terms of service and might get your account suspended. Most sports streaming services actively prevent VPN access.

Alternatively, check what F1 broadcasting service is used in the country where you're located and subscribe there instead. Most countries have affordable local F1 streaming options.

Traveling But Staying in the US

If you're traveling within the United States, you should have full F1TV access. Apple's geographic verification is based on Apple ID settings, not GPS location, so traveling across states shouldn't cause issues.

Setting Reminders for Race Weekends

Formula 1 has a specific race calendar each year. Rather than trying to remember when races are, set calendar reminders on your devices.

Apple Calendar can sync across all your devices. When you add an event to your iPhone, it automatically appears on your Mac and iPad. Create calendar entries for each race weekend, including practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday (or Saturday for sprint weekends).

You can find F1's official race calendar at formula1.com, or various F1 fan calendars are available that include timezone conversions. Most of these are exportable into Apple Calendar.

Setting reminders 15-30 minutes before qualifying or the race starts ensures you have time to get settled and open the F1TV app before the action begins.

FAQ

What is the difference between F1TV and Apple TV?

Apple TV is a subscription service ($9.99/month) that includes movies, shows, and various content. F1TV is a specialized app built specifically for Formula 1 racing coverage. When you have an Apple TV subscription, you can link it to F1TV to access all Formula 1 races and content without paying separately. F1TV is the dedicated interface for F1 content, while Apple TV is the broader entertainment platform that grants you access.

How much does it cost to watch F1 through Apple TV?

Watching F1 through Apple TV costs

How do I set up F1TV on my Apple devices?

Download the F1TV app from your device's app store, open it, and tap "Sign in with Apple." Authenticate using your Apple ID, confirm the permissions, and you'll have instant access to all F1 content included with your Apple TV subscription. The process takes about three to four minutes. Once you set it up on one device, the access automatically carries over to other devices signed into the same Apple ID.

What content do I get access to with an Apple TV subscription?

You get access to every Formula 1 race weekend, including all three practice sessions, qualifying sessions, sprint races where applicable, and the main Grand Prix race. You also get access to multi-view camera switching, onboard cameras, live team radio, live telemetry, and timing data. All of this content is available through the F1TV app both live and on-demand.

Can I watch F1 without Apple TV?

Yes, you can watch F1 through F1TV's direct subscription for approximately $79.99 per year, or you can watch select races and practice sessions for free through F1TV's free tier. However, free access is limited by design and not all races are available free. For comprehensive access to all Formula 1 content, you either need Apple TV or F1TV Pro.

What should I do if I already have an F1TV subscription?

When you link your Apple account, you'll temporarily have two active F1TV subscriptions—your old direct subscription and your new Apple TV-linked subscription. You must actively cancel the old direct subscription within three days to avoid being double-charged. Cancel it through the F1TV app's account settings or on F1TV's website. After cancellation, only your Apple TV subscription will grant F1 access.

How good is the video quality on F1TV through Apple TV?

F1TV streams at up to 4K resolution on compatible devices, which is significantly higher quality than traditional broadcast television's 1080p. The frame rates are smooth, encoding quality is excellent, and streams are generally very reliable on strong internet connections. 4K streaming requires at least 25 Mbps internet speed. On older or less capable devices, quality may be limited to 1080p.

Can I use multi-view and watch multiple cameras simultaneously?

Yes, F1TV's multi-view feature allows you to watch multiple camera angles simultaneously during practice, qualifying, and races. You can watch your favorite driver's onboard camera while simultaneously viewing pit stop action or lap-by-lap battles. Multi-view requires a strong internet connection (25+ Mbps for 4K multi-view) and compatible devices like iPhone 12 or later, iPad Pro, or Apple TV 4K.

Do I need a fast internet connection to stream F1TV?

Basic 1080p F1TV streaming requires about 5 Mbps sustained internet speed. 4K streaming requires approximately 25 Mbps or faster. Multi-view mode, especially with 4K multiple simultaneous feeds, might require 50+ Mbps depending on how many streams you're watching. WiFi connections should ideally be from a WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 router, and wired ethernet is ideal for the best reliability.

What happens if my Apple TV subscription expires?

If your Apple TV subscription expires and you don't renew it, your F1TV access through that subscription ends immediately. You'll lose access to current races and on-demand replays. If you previously had a direct F1TV subscription that you cancelled, you would need to re-subscribe to either Apple TV or F1TV directly to regain access. Apple TV allows you to reactivate your subscription within 30 days without losing your watch history.

Is F1 coverage available in 4K?

Yes, F1 content through F1TV is available in 4K on compatible devices. To watch in 4K, you need a compatible device (iPhone 12 or later, iPad Pro, Apple TV 4K, or newer smart TVs with the F1TV app), a strong internet connection (25+ Mbps), and your F1TV app settings should be configured for highest quality. Not all races may be available in 4K initially, but the 2025 season and beyond should have comprehensive 4K availability.

Conclusion

Apple's exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States represent a genuine shift in how American fans experience the sport. Consolidating F1 content into the Apple TV ecosystem removes friction from the viewing experience and makes comprehensive coverage more accessible than ever before.

The setup process, while slightly confusing if you're transitioning from an existing F1TV subscription, is ultimately straightforward. A few minutes of authentication, managing any duplicate subscriptions, and you're done. Within days, you'll have practiced watching races through multi-view, toggled between onboard camera angles, and appreciated the difference that streaming brings compared to traditional broadcast television.

For Apple TV+ subscribers, F1TV access is essentially free—it's included in your existing subscription. For people considering subscribing specifically to watch Formula 1, the math works out to reasonable value when you consider that F1 runs roughly 24 races per year with associated practice and qualifying sessions.

The integration between Apple's ecosystem and F1TV is still evolving. The 2025 season will reveal how Apple refines the experience based on viewer feedback and usage data. By 2026, when Apple's exclusive rights officially begin, the coverage should be exceptionally polished and comprehensive.

Whether you're a lifelong Formula 1 fan looking to upgrade your viewing experience or a newer viewer curious about the sport, getting F1TV through Apple TV is the path of least resistance. Take a few minutes to set it up, enjoy the comprehensive coverage, and prepare to see Formula 1 in a way that captures the sport's true complexity and drama.

March 7, 2025, marks the start of a new season. With Apple TV's infrastructure behind it and F1TV's dedicated app in your hands, you're ready to experience every moment that season offers.

Key Takeaways

• Apple TV subscribers get complete F1 access by linking Apple accounts through F1TV app in approximately 3-4 minutes
• Cancel any existing F1TV direct subscriptions within 3 days after linking to avoid duplicate charges
• F1TV app provides comprehensive features including multi-view, onboard cameras, live telemetry, and team radio that aren't available in main Apple TV app
• Apple TV subscription at
  $9.99/month is$
  40/year cheaper than standalone F1TV Pro subscription ($79.99/year) and includes additional entertainment content
• F1 content integrates seamlessly across entire Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV) when linked through one Apple ID

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