Formula One Races to be Screened Live in IMAX Theaters Across the U.S.

In a groundbreaking partnership, IMAX and Apple TV are set to bring the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship live to select theaters across the United States. This initiative will allow fans to experience five major Grands Prix—Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin—on the large IMAX screens, enhancing the viewing experience with immersive audio and visuals. The first race to be screened will be the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, followed by 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. The races will be available in over 50 IMAX locations nationwide.

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This collaboration builds on the success of "F1: The Movie," a sports drama featuring Brad Pitt, which grossed $654 million globally, with $97.6 million from IMAX screens alone. The film's success demonstrated the appeal of Formula One in the U.S., a market that has seen a significant increase in interest in the sport, particularly following the release of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive." This series has reportedly contributed to the growth of the F1 fan base in the U.S. to approximately 52 million.

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Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Music, Sports, and Beats, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “By bringing F1 on Apple TV live to IMAX theaters nationwide, we’re delivering the energy and excitement to even more screens in a truly immersive way.” Jonathan Fischer, IMAX’s Chief Content Officer, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership aims to amplify the live coverage of Formula 1 and provide fans with a powerful new way to experience the sport.

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Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this initiative, some analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the sustainability of F1's growth in the U.S. market. While the sport has gained traction, there are concerns that it may not maintain the same growth trajectory as seen in recent years.

F1 Coming to IMAX Theaters in the US in 2026

As the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship approaches, the collaboration between IMAX and Apple TV is poised to redefine how American fans engage with the sport. The upcoming screenings are part of a broader strategy by IMAX to diversify its offerings beyond traditional films, focusing on live sports and events to attract audiences back to theaters.

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• “F1 is a rapidly growing force in sports and culture in the US, and by bringing F1 on Apple TV live to Imax theaters nationwide, we’re delivering the energy and excitement to even more screens in a truly immersive way,” — Oliver Schusser, VP of Music, Sports, and Beats, Apple

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• “We look forward to working with Apple to amplify its live coverage of Formula 1 and give fans in the U.S. an all-new way to experience this fast-growing sport.” — Jonathan Fischer, Chief Content Officer, IMAX

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