what channel is the f1 race on

In the US, Apple TV is the exclusive channel streaming all 2026 F1 races, including practices and qualifying sessions. This shift happened at the start of the season under a five-year deal, moving away from ESPN.

Upcoming Race: Japanese GP

Today's Aramco Japanese GP at Suzuka is the big one fans are buzzing about on March 29, 2026. Lights out is at 6:00 AM ET , perfect for early risers catching high-speed action on one of F1's most technical tracks. Expect intense battles after recent drama in Australia and China—Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are neck-and-neck in the standings.

Stream it live on Apple TV (requires subscription; check local listings for add-ons like DirecTV or F1 TV bundled through them). No traditional cable like ESPN this year—pure streaming era.

Quick Channel Guide by Region

Region| Main Broadcaster| Notes
---|---|---
United States| Apple TV| Exclusive for all sessions; F1 TV via Apple subscription 7
United Kingdom| Sky Sports F1| Live races, qualifiers; Channel 4 highlights 35
Canada| Apple TV / Netflix (select races)| TSN for extras in past, now streamlined 12
Australia| Fox Sports / Kayo| BeIN for MENA regions 5
Global| Varies (F1 TV Pro)| 20+ onboard cams, team radio 9

Why the Apple TV Switch?

F1 and Apple locked in this deal to boost global streaming, packing features like multiview and live timing. Fans love the onboard cams, but some miss ESPN's commentary—Reddit threads are full of gripes about subscription costs versus old cable perks. Still, picture quality shines on Apple devices.

Pro Tip: Grab a free trial if new to Apple TV+, or pair with a VPN for international access (rules vary). No race today? Replay Miami GP highlights from May 3.

TL;DR at Bottom: Apple TV for US viewers—today's Japanese GP at 6 AM ET. Check your region above.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.