What F1 movies are available on Apple TV right now
Apple TV carries some Formula 1 films, but the selection changes and depends on your region and subscription tier. The most widely available title is Drive to Survive, Netflix's documentary series about the F1 season — but it streams on Netflix, not Apple TV, so you would need a separate subscription. On Apple TV itself, you can rent or buy individual F1-related films through the Movies section, including titles like Rush (2013, about the 1976 season rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda) and Senna (2010, a documentary about Ayrton Senna's life and career).
The catch is that Apple TV does not have a dedicated F1 subscription channel the way it does for sports like MLS or MLB. Instead, F1 content appears as individual purchases or rentals scattered across the Movies catalog. What is available shifts based on licensing agreements, so a film available this month may not be next month.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV does not have a single F1 subscription service; F1 movies are available as individual rentals or purchases through the Movies section.
- Titles like Rush and Senna are commonly available to rent or buy, but availability varies by region and changes over time.
- Drive to Survive, the most popular F1 documentary series, streams on Netflix, not Apple TV.
- You can search the Apple TV Movies catalog directly by typing "Formula 1" or specific film titles to see current pricing and availability in your area.
How to search for F1 movies on Apple TV
Open the Apple TV app on your device — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, or smart TV. Tap or click the Search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Type "Formula 1" or the name of a specific film like "Rush" or "Senna" into the search box.
The app will show you any matching titles, along with the price to rent or buy and how long the rental lasts (usually 48 hours from when you start watching). If a title does not appear, it is not currently available in your region through Apple TV. You can also browse the Movies section manually and look under categories like Sports or Drama, though this is slower than searching by name.
Renting versus buying F1 films on Apple TV
When you find an F1 movie on Apple TV, you have two options: rent or buy. Renting costs less (typically $3.99 to $5.99) and gives you access for 48 hours after you start watching — you can pause and resume within that window, but once the 48 hours end, the film disappears from your library. Buying costs more (usually $9.99 to $14.99) but the film stays in your library permanently and you can watch it as many times as you want.
For most people, renting makes sense if you want to watch once. Buying is worth it only if you know you will return to the film or want to own it outright. Both options read to your device if you have the Apple TV app installed, so you can watch offline — useful if you are traveling.
Why some F1 content is not on Apple TV
Formula 1 content is scattered across multiple platforms because different companies own the rights to different films and series. Netflix paid for exclusive rights to Drive to Survive, so it will never appear on Apple TV. ESPN+ in the United States holds rights to live F1 races and some original F1 programming, which also keeps that content off Apple TV. Older documentaries and films like Senna and Rush have different rights holders, which is why they can be licensed to Apple TV as rentals or purchases.
This fragmentation means there is no single place to watch all F1 content. If you want to follow the sport comprehensively, you may need ESPN+ for live races, Netflix for Drive to Survive, and Apple TV for individual films — or you can pick and choose based on what interests you.
Checking availability in your region
Apple TV content varies by country because licensing agreements are regional. A film available in the United States may not be available in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia. The only way to know what is available to you is to search directly in the Apple TV app on a device in your region or signed into your account.
If you are traveling or using a VPN, Apple TV may block access to content licensed only for your home region. This is a licensing restriction, not a technical limitation — the app enforces it to comply with the agreements studios have made.
Alternative ways to watch F1 documentaries and films
If you cannot find what you want on Apple TV, other platforms carry F1 content. Netflix has Drive to Survive (the most comprehensive recent series about the F1 season). ESPN+ in the United States streams live F1 races and some original documentaries. Disney+ occasionally carries F1-related content as part of its sports library. YouTube has clips and some full documentaries available free with ads or for purchase. Amazon Prime Video also rents and sells F1 films, often at similar prices to Apple TV.
If you subscribe to multiple services already, it is worth checking each one before renting on Apple TV — you may find the film you want included in a subscription you already pay for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drive to Survive on Apple TV?
No. Drive to Survive is a Netflix original series and streams only on Netflix. You need a Netflix subscription to watch it. Apple TV does not carry it.
Can I watch live F1 races on Apple TV?
No. Live F1 races are not broadcast on Apple TV. In the United States, ESPN+ holds the rights to live races. In other countries, the broadcaster varies — check your local sports network or streaming service for live race coverage.
Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to rent F1 movies?
No. Renting or buying films through the Apple TV app does not require an Apple TV+ subscription. You pay per film. Apple TV+ is a separate monthly subscription service for original shows and films, which is different from the app's rental and purchase store.
What happens to a rented F1 movie after 48 hours?
The film becomes unwatchable and disappears from your library. You cannot extend the rental period. If you want to watch it again, you must rent it again or buy it permanently.
Can I read an F1 movie to watch offline?
Yes, if you have the Apple TV app installed on your device. Open the film, look for a read icon, and tap it. The read uses storage space on your device and respects the same 48-hour rental window — after that, the file is removed automatically.