Formula 1 Races Coming to IMAX Theaters in 2026

Apple TV partners with IMAX to broadcast select F1 Grands Prix live in immersive format

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Formula 1 fans will soon be able to experience the thrill of the races in a new way, as a groundbreaking partnership between Apple TV and IMAX will bring select 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship Grands Prix to over 50 IMAX theaters across the United States. This move aims to immerse fans deeper into the heart-pounding world of F1 racing.

Why it matters

This collaboration builds on the success of the recent F1: The Movie, which demonstrated a clear appetite for experiencing Formula 1 in a more cinematic and immersive format. The IMAX screenings will offer fans an alternative to traditional television broadcasts or attending events in person, potentially inspiring other sports leagues to explore similar partnerships that leverage the power of immersive technology to enhance the fan experience.

The details

Five iconic Grands Prix have been selected for the live IMAX treatment: the Miami Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, British Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, and United States Grand Prix. These races were chosen for their historical significance and the excitement they generate among fans, as well as to target key markets for Formula 1's growing U.S. audience. The IMAX experience will not incur additional costs beyond a standard Apple TV subscription.

  • The Miami Grand Prix will be shown on May 3rd, 2026.
  • The Monaco Grand Prix will be shown on June 7th, 2026.
  • The British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be shown on July 5th, 2026.
  • The Italian Grand Prix at Monza will be shown on September 6th, 2026.
  • The United States Grand Prix in Austin will be shown on October 25th, 2026.

The players

Apple TV

The tech giant that has secured a five-year rights deal to become the official U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1 on Apple TV.

IMAX

The company partnering with Apple TV to broadcast select 2026 Formula 1 Grands Prix live in over 50 IMAX theaters across the United States.

F1: The Movie

A recent Formula 1 film that grossed $654 million globally, with nearly $100 million coming from IMAX screenings, demonstrating the appetite for experiencing Formula 1 in a more cinematic and immersive format.

Joseph Kosinski

The director of F1: The Movie, who utilized IMAX-certified digital cameras, setting a new standard for sports filmmaking.

Jonathan Fischer

The chief content officer of IMAX, who stated that the success of F1: The Movie proved the speed, precision, and artistry of Formula 1 translate beautifully to the IMAX experience.

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What they’re saying

“Apple TV and Joe Kosinski's brilliant F1: The Movie proved beyond a doubt that the speed, precision, and artistry of Formula 1 translate beautifully to the Imax experience.”

— Jonathan Fischer, Chief Content Officer, IMAX (IMAX)

What’s next

This partnership is planned for the 2026 season, with the potential for expansion in future years. A list of participating IMAX theaters will be available at imax.com/f1.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between Apple TV and IMAX represents a significant shift in how live sports are consumed, offering Formula 1 fans a more immersive and cinematic viewing experience. The success of this venture could inspire other sports leagues to explore similar partnerships, leveraging the power of technology to enhance the fan experience.