Apple is set to offer U.S. viewers free access to the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix through the Apple TV app, requiring no subscription. This initiative marks the first time Apple is making an entire Formula 1 race weekend available at no cost, encompassing all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race.
Typically, access to Formula 1 events on Apple TV necessitates a subscription. However, Apple had previously announced plans to make select races freely accessible, and the Austrian Grand Prix, scheduled for June 26–28, is the inaugural event under this arrangement.
The race weekend schedule is as follows:
- Friday, June 26: Practice 1 at 7:30 a.m. ET; Practice 2 at 11:00 a.m. ET
- Saturday, June 27: Practice 3 at 6:30 a.m. ET; Qualifying at 10:00 a.m. ET
- Sunday, June 28: Race at 9:00 a.m. ET
To access the free coverage, viewers need the Apple TV app, available on a wide range of devices including iOS and Android smartphones, Windows PCs, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation. Alternatively, the race can be streamed directly via a web browser at tv.apple.com.
This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its sports streaming offerings and attract a wider audience to its platform. By providing free access to a high-profile event like the Austrian Grand Prix, Apple aims to increase engagement and showcase the quality of its sports coverage. This approach not only benefits fans by making premium content more accessible but also positions Apple as a significant player in the competitive sports streaming market.
