Key Highlights
- Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship by 81 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit.
- Apple becomes Formula 1’s new Official U.S. Broadcaster, with F1 TV included free within Apple TV subscriptions and the F1 TV broadcast team fronting English-language coverage.
- F1 TV Premium offers 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six devices with a 26-feed Multiview feature, plus access to F2, F3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup sessions.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sets Stage for Championship Showdown in Baku
The 2026 Formula 1 season arrives at the Baku City Circuit this weekend for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli looking to extend his commanding advantage on the streets of Baku. The Mercedes driver enters the round with an 81-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings following his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, positioning him as the clear favorite to add another triumph to his growing tally.
Lando Norris, the reigning World Champion, arrives in Azerbaijan seeking redemption after a cruel twist of fate in Spain. The McLaren driver missed out on a potential race win when his pit stop coincided with the conclusion of a Virtual Safety Car phase, costing him critical track position. Norris will be keen to bounce back on a circuit that has historically produced unpredictable racing and dramatic momentum shifts.
F1 TV Expands Access with Apple Partnership in United States
Formula 1’s streaming platform is undergoing a significant transformation in the United States. Apple has been named Formula 1’s new Official U.S. Broadcaster, with F1 TV now included for free within Apple TV subscriptions. This strategic partnership streamlines access for American fans while enhancing the overall viewing experience. The established F1 TV broadcast team will primarily front Apple TV’s English-language coverage, bringing their expertise and insight to a substantially wider U.S. audience.
For viewers seeking the premium experience, F1 TV Premium delivers races in 4K Ultra HD/HDR across up to six simultaneous devices. A personalized Multiview featureâavailable on select devicesâoffers 26 different feeds to choose from, allowing fans to curate their own race perspective. The platform also provides comprehensive coverage of every Formula 1 Grand Prix, Sprint, Qualifying, and practice session, alongside live streams of F2, F3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup events.
Enhanced Content Library and Global Payment Options
Beyond live race coverage, F1 TV continues to expand its on-demand library with in-depth programming. Tech Talk Retro examines iconic car designs from Formula 1’s history, while F1 Icons chronicles the careers of legendary drivers from past eras. The service has also broadened its payment infrastructure, now accepting American Express among other methods to facilitate easier global access for subscribers.
F1 TV Pro and Premium remain available in selected locations only. Fans can check regional broadcaster details and session times for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix through official Formula 1 channels.
Why This Matters
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a critical inflection point in the 2026 championship. With an 81-point cushion, Antonelli holds a near-insurmountable lead with more than half the season remaining, though Baku’s history of safety cars and high-attrition races means no lead is truly secure. Simultaneously, Formula 1’s U.S. media rights shift to Apple signals the sport’s accelerating push into mainstream American streaming ecosystems, potentially reshaping how millions of new fans discover and consume F1 content. The integration of F1 TV into Apple’s subscription bundle removes a significant friction point for casual viewers, while the Premium tier’s 26-feed Multiview caters to the hardcore enthusiast demographic that drives sustained engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in the United States?
In the U.S., the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be available on Apple TV, which now includes F1 TV free with an Apple TV subscription. The F1 TV broadcast team will front the English-language coverage on Apple’s platform.
What is the difference between F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium?
F1 TV Pro provides live coverage of every session with exclusive features like onboard cameras for all 22 cars and Pre-Race/Post-Race shows. F1 TV Premium adds 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six devices, a 26-feed Multiview feature on select devices, and access to F2, F3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup sessions.
Is F1 TV available worldwide?
F1 TV Pro and Premium are available in selected locations only. Fans should check the official Formula 1 website for details of broadcasters in their specific area.
