In the multi-billion dollar world of Formula 1, the “live race” is often locked behind a premium paywall—now shifting to Apple TV in the US. However, savvy fans have discovered a secondary lane: the Formula 1 Channel. Today’s multi-year renewal with C15 Studio proves that F1 is no longer just chasing the highest bidder; it’s chasing the “passive viewer.”
The extension elevates the platform from a highlight reel into a legitimate live-action destination, specifically for the F1 ACADEMY™. By placing the all-female series on a Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platform, F1 is removing every possible barrier to entry for the next generation of fans.
Beyond the Paywall: The FAST Phenomenon
While Apple TV handles the high-octane spectacle of the World Championship, the Formula 1 Channel currently captures over one million viewers per month without charging a cent.
For Joe Nilsson, CEO of C15 Studio, the “exceptional growth” seen since the 2024 launch validates a specific theory: American fans want more than just 24 Sundays of racing. They want “shoulder programming”—the documentaries, the classic GPs, and the technical deep-dives—available as a background stream. This “always-on” approach keeps the brand relevant during the quiet gaps between flyaway races.
F1 ACADEMY: Live Racing as a Loss Leader?
The most significant strategic pivot is the live broadcast of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season. Starting in Shanghai on March 13, every session—from practice to the checkered flag—will be free to watch on the channel.
By bypassing the paywall for F1 ACADEMY, the sport is essentially using the FAST platform as an incubator. They are building a fanbase for female drivers in the US (with stops in Austin and Las Vegas) by making the content as accessible as a YouTube video. It’s a low-risk, high-reward play: if the audience grows on the free platform, the future commercial value of those rights skyrockets.
The Holistic US Media Ecosystem
Ian Holmes, F1’s chief media rights officer, described the channel as a “tool” to complement the primary broadcast. In 2026, the US fan’s viewing journey looks remarkably integrated:
- The Main Event: Premium, tech-heavy coverage on Apple TV.
- The On-Ramp: 24/7 history and live F1 ACADEMY on the Formula 1 Channel (FAST).
- The Deep Dive: Technical analysis and archives via the F1TV app (integrated into Foxtel/Apple ecosystems).
As F1 enters a season with three US races and a massive regulatory overhaul on the horizon, the C15 Studio deal ensures that no matter where an American fan looks, the silver (and black) eagle of F1 is staring back.