Formula 1 fans watching from home are about to experience race weekend a little differently.
As the 2026 United States Grand Prix gets underway at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, Apple TV is introducing Dolby Atmos to its Formula 1 broadcasts for the first time, giving American viewers a more immersive way to experience the sport.
The new audio technology joins Dolby Vision, which has been available since the beginning of the season, allowing fans to experience Formula 1 with enhanced sound and picture quality.
According to an announcement from Dolby Laboratories and Apple, the upgrade is designed to capture the intensity of race weekend, from roaring engines and team radio communications to commentary, overtakes, and the activity unfolding in the pit lane.
Dolby Atmos uses immersive audio technology to create a more spatial listening experience, while Dolby Vision enhances picture quality through improved color, contrast, and brightness. Together, the technologies aim to bring viewers closer to the atmosphere of a live Grand Prix without leaving their living rooms.
The rollout comes during a particularly consequential weekend for Formula 1.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli enters the United States Grand Prix with an opportunity to secure his first Drivers’ Championship and become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
Apple TV, which became the exclusive U.S. streaming home of Formula 1 for the 2026 season, will broadcast every practice session, qualifying session, and Grand Prix live and on demand.
Beyond the new Dolby Atmos integration, subscribers can personalize their viewing experience through Apple’s Multiview feature, which allows fans to watch up to four live feeds simultaneously.
The platform also offers up to 30 additional live feeds, including onboard driver cameras, live timing information, a Driver Tracker, and a dedicated Podium feed following the leading drivers.
Fans can access Formula 1 in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos through the Apple TV app on supported Apple devices and compatible Dolby-enabled televisions, soundbars, and home theater systems.
How to Watch the 2026 United States Grand Prix
The United States Grand Prix takes place Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m. ET, with coverage beginning earlier in the afternoon.
The full race weekend schedule includes:
- Friday, October 23: Practice 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET; Practice 2 at 5 p.m. ET.
- Saturday, October 24: Practice 3 at 1:30 p.m. ET; Qualifying at 5 p.m. ET.
- Sunday, October 25: United States Grand Prix at 4 p.m. ET.
Apple TV subscriptions cost $14.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial available for eligible new subscribers.
For fans hoping to experience the excitement on an even bigger screen, the United States Grand Prix will also be shown live in IMAX at more than 50 locations across the country.
With the championship on the line and new broadcast technology making its debut, this weekend’s race offers plenty of reasons for Formula 1 fans to tune in.
