You've probably spent the last few years conditioned to wake up, grab a coffee, and flip the TV to ESPN or ESPN2 for the Formula 1 pre-race show. It was a ritual. For many US fans, that ritual is currently undergoing a massive, somewhat jarring transformation. If you're looking for the espn formula 1 tv schedule for the 2026 season, there is a reality check coming: ESPN is no longer the home of F1 in the United States.
In a move that caught plenty of traditional cable subscribers off guard, Apple TV secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the US starting with the 2026 season. This isn't just a minor shuffle of channels like moving from ESPN to ABC. It’s a complete migration to a tech-heavy streaming ecosystem.
The Big Shift Away From Cable
Honestly, it feels a bit weird. Since 2018, ESPN had been the steady hand for American fans, famously taking the Sky Sports feed and piping it into our living rooms. But as of now, Apple is paying north of $140 million a year to be the "exclusive" destination.
What does that actually mean for your Sunday morning? Basically, the days of finding the race on a standard cable grid are over. You won't find the espn formula 1 tv schedule in your local listings because the "channel" is now an app.
What the 2026 Season Actually Looks Like
The calendar itself is still a beast. We are looking at 24 races, a record-tying number that spans from the early morning hours in Melbourne to late-night glitz in Las Vegas.
The season officially kicks off in Australia on March 8. If you’re on the East Coast, that’s an 11:00 PM start on Saturday night or early Sunday, depending on how you view your sleep schedule. Here is the kicker: Apple is making all practice and qualifying sessions, plus the six Sprints and the 24 Grands Prix, available through their subscription.
The 2026 Race Calendar and Start Times
The schedule is pretty packed. One notable change is the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, which has shifted to a 4:00 PM local start (22 May–24 May) to avoid clashing with the Indianapolis 500. It’s a small mercy for those of us who try to watch both.
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- Australia (Melbourne): March 8 at 11:00 PM EST.
- China (Shanghai): March 15 at 3:00 AM EST. This one features a Sprint.
- Japan (Suzuka): March 29 at 1:00 AM EST.
- Bahrain (Sakhir): April 12 at 11:00 AM EST.
- Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): April 19 at 1:00 PM EST.
- Miami: May 3 at 4:00 PM EST. Our first US stop, and yes, it’s another Sprint weekend.
- Canada (Montreal): May 24 at 4:00 PM EST. Sprint included.
- Monaco: June 7 at 9:00 AM EST. The classic.
- Spain (Barcelona): June 14 at 9:00 AM EST.
- Austria (Spielberg): June 26–28.
- Great Britain (Silverstone): July 5 at 10:00 AM EST. Silverstone adds a Sprint back to its format this year.
The summer break happens after Hungary on July 26, giving everyone a breather before Zandvoort on August 23.
Is Anything Still "Free" Without ESPN?
One of the biggest concerns with the loss of the espn formula 1 tv schedule was the paywall. Apple has hinted at "low-barrier" options. To keep the momentum of F1's growth in the US, select races and all free practice sessions are expected to be available for free within the Apple TV app, even if you don't have a paid subscription.
However, for the full "F1 TV Pro" experience—the onboards, the live telemetry, the unedited team radio—you’ll likely need to be a subscriber. They are integrating the F1 TV Premium service directly into the Apple TV interface.
Why the Change Matters
This isn't just about where you click "Play." It’s about how the sport is presented. Apple plans to use its entire ecosystem. Expect deep integration with Apple Music for race playlists, Apple Maps for circuit guides, and even Apple Fitness+ for "driver-inspired" workouts. It’s a bit much for some, but for the data-hungry fan, it could be a goldmine.
The move mirrors what Apple did with Major League Soccer (MLS). It centralizes everything. No more hunting to see if a race is on ESPNU or News. It’s all in one bucket.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that you need an Apple device (like an iPhone or an Apple TV 4K box) to watch. You don't. The Apple TV app is on almost everything now—Roku, Fire Stick, PlayStation, and most smart TVs.
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Also, don't expect the ESPN talent to just disappear. While the broadcast rights moved, the actual "show" often involves the same world-feed commentators we've grown used to, though Apple will likely add their own US-centric pre-race analysts to replace the ESPN/ABC studio crews.
How to Prepare for the New Era
Since you won't be checking the espn formula 1 tv schedule anymore, your best bet is to download the Apple Sports app. It’s a free iPhone app that will handle the live updates and leaderboards.
- Audit your subscriptions: If you were paying for a cable bundle just for F1, you might be able to cut that cord now.
- Check your hardware: Ensure your smart TV or streaming stick supports the Apple TV app in 4K, as F1 is leaning heavily into ultra-high-def broadcasts for 2026.
- Mark the Saturday nights: With races like Las Vegas (November 21) and the early Asian leg, the "Sunday morning" tradition is becoming more of a "Saturday night" affair for Americans.
The 2026 season represents a massive technical reset for the cars themselves, with new engine regulations and active aerodynamics. It's fitting, if a little annoying for the creatures of habit, that the way we watch the sport is resetting right along with it.
To stay ahead of the curve, your next move should be to sign into the Apple TV app now and "Follow" Formula 1. This will ensure you get notifications for practice sessions and race starts as the Australian Grand Prix approaches in March. Don't wait until race morning to figure out your login; that’s a guaranteed way to miss the lights out.