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Formula One fans in the United States are about to experience championship racing in a completely new way. Beginning in 2026, select races from the FIA Formula One World Championship will be screened live in Imax theaters across the country. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Imax and Apple TV, bringing the speed, precision, and spectacle of Formula One to some of the biggest screens available.
Through the partnership, five major Grands Prix will be shown live in at least 50 Imax locations nationwide. The featured races include the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 5, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6, and the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 25. These events represent some of the most prestigious and widely followed stops on the Formula One calendar.
The move reflects the continued growth of Formula One in the American market. Interest in the sport has expanded significantly in recent years, with increasing television audiences and strong attendance at US based races. By bringing live coverage to Imax theaters, Apple TV and Imax are offering fans a new communal viewing experience that captures the intensity of race day in a cinematic environment.
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of music, sports, and beats, emphasized the cultural momentum behind the decision. He described Formula One as a rapidly growing force in sports and culture in the United States. According to Schusser, delivering F1 on Apple TV live to Imax theaters nationwide allows the energy and excitement of the championship to reach even more screens in an immersive format.
The collaboration builds on the recent success of “F1 The Movie,” produced in partnership with Apple and released in Imax theaters. The film starred Brad Pitt as a former Formula One driver who returns from retirement to mentor a young talent. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and shot entirely with Imax certified digital cameras, the film exceeded expectations at the global box office. It earned $654 million worldwide, with $97.6 million of that total coming from Imax screenings alone. The strong performance demonstrated the appetite for Formula One content in a premium large screen format.
Jonathan Fischer, Imax’s Chief Content Officer, noted that the film proved how well the speed and artistry of Formula One translate to the Imax experience. He expressed enthusiasm about expanding the company’s content portfolio with live sporting events and described the partnership with Apple as an opportunity to give fans an entirely new way to engage with the sport.
By combining live sports broadcasting with theatrical presentation, the initiative marks a notable step in how major sporting events are distributed. Instead of watching from home, fans will have the option to gather in theaters and experience every turn, pit stop, and checkered flag moment on a massive screen with enhanced sound and visual clarity.
As the 2026 season approaches, this partnership positions Imax theaters as more than just movie venues. For Formula One fans, they will also become race day destinations.
