Apple TV has a treat for Formula 1 fans: the entire Austrian Grand Prix weekend will be streamed live without any subscription required. Starting June 26, viewers can watch all sessions including practice, qualifying, and the race completely free, even without an Apple TV+ subscription. This move expands Apple's growing sports portfolio, which already includes Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.
Race Weekend Schedule
The action begins on Friday, June 26 at 7:30 AM ET with the first practice session, followed by a second practice at 11 AM ET. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, June 27 at 10 AM ET, and the race starts on Sunday, June 28 at 9 AM ET. All sessions are accessible through the Apple TV app on any device, with no sign-up or payment needed. This open access mirrors trends in tech where companies offer free content in exchange for data, as discussed in the article Meta Quest Discounts, Your Data: The Real Price of Augmented Reality, but here the offering is truly unconditional.
Sponsored Protocol
Apple's Sports Streaming Strategy
Apple recently secured exclusive Formula 1 broadcast rights in the United States, and early data shows viewership increasing year over year. The company has also allowed Netflix to air certain races and plans IMAX screenings for select events. Beyond F1, Apple streamed a Major League Soccer game captured entirely with iPhones and now airs Major League Baseball doubleheaders on Friday evenings. By offering the Austrian Grand Prix for free, Apple aims to attract a broader audience and strengthen its position in live sports streaming.
Sponsored Protocol
While the free coverage is limited to the U.S., it represents a rare exception in a market dominated by expensive pay-per-view and subscription models. For more background on the event, refer to the Wikipedia page for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2197498/apple-tv-will-broadcast-the-formula-1-austrian-grand-prix-for-free
