Imax announced it will partner with Apple to broadcast five Formula 1 races live in at least 50 U.S. theaters, turning the events into ticketed, big-screen experiences. The deal is designed to amplify the start of Apple's exclusive five-year U.S. broadcast partnership with the racing league.
From reel to real: The move follows the playbook from the two companies' wildly successful "F1: The Movie" collaboration. That film proved a theatrical audience exists for the sport, becoming Imax's top-grossing Hollywood release in 2025 and earning an Oscar nomination. Now, Apple is betting that same audience will show up for the real thing.
Covering all the bases: The theatrical screenings are the premium component of a wider distribution strategy. To cover the home and commercial fronts, recent deals with DirecTV and EverPass Media will bring the full 24-race season to residential subscribers and over 300,000 venues like bars and restaurants nationwide.
Apple is treating F1 not just as a sport to be broadcast, but as a media franchise to be experienced across multiple platforms—from the living room couch to the movie theater.
