Apple is making this year’s Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix more accessible by livestreaming all sessions for free via the Apple TV app across the United States. Viewers will be able to watch practice runs, qualifying, and the main race without needing any Apple TV+ subscription or extra fee. This applies only to the Las Vegas event—other races still require the usual broadcast or streaming access.
Apple holds exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1, offering races live and on demand to paying subscribers through its standard Apple TV subscription. For select high-profile races—like Las Vegas—Apple is waiving that requirement, opening up the Formula 1 hub so any user on any platform can tune in free of charge. Supported devices include iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Android, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, and via web browsers through tv.apple.com.
When to Watch
The Las Vegas Grand Prix runs Thursday through Saturday, November 19–21. Here’s the full schedule in Eastern Time:
- Thursday, Nov 19 – Practice 1 at 4:30 PM • Practice 2 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, Nov 20 – Practice 3 at 4:30 PM • Qualifying at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, Nov 21 – Race day at 8:00 PM
Bookending the event is the nighttime setting of the Las Vegas track—expect neon-soaked visuals that emphasize the city’s glow in what many anticipate will be a visually rich broadcast.
This free stream represents a rare exception to Apple’s usual paywall for Formula 1 content. While most races still require a subscription, Apple has begun gradually opening up certain marquee events to non-subscribers—an apparent bid to broaden viewership, showcase the product, and possibly convert more people into paying customers.
Why this matters: by removing paywalls for big events like the Las Vegas GP, Apple aims to attract new viewers and build buzz. For the sports streaming wars, it’s a strategic move—leveraging exclusivity while still embracing moments of free access. What to watch for: Will this shift toward occasional free events become a regular tactic? And how will it shape the relationship between subscribers and general sports fans going forward?
