How to Watch F1 Movies on Apple TV

What F1 Movies Are Available on Apple TV

Apple TV carries Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a documentary series that follows the drivers, teams, and drama of the Formula 1 racing season. Each season covers one year of the sport, with episodes released after the season ends. The show is available through the Apple TV+ subscription service, which costs $9.99 per month (or $99 per year if you pay annually).

Apple TV+ also occasionally features other racing-related documentaries and films, though availability changes. The main F1 content people search for is Drive to Survive, which has multiple seasons available. You can also rent or purchase individual F1-related films through the regular Apple TV store if they are offered, though these are separate from the subscription service.

The difference matters: Apple TV+ is a subscription you pay monthly or yearly for unlimited access to their full library. The Apple TV store is where you buy or rent individual movies and shows à la carte. Drive to Survive is only on the subscription side.

Key Takeaways

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is the main F1 content on Apple TV+, and you need an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch it.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and includes access to all seasons of Drive to Survive released so far.
You can watch on any device that supports Apple TV+, including iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TV boxes, and many smart TVs.
New seasons of Drive to Survive are released after each F1 racing season ends, usually in the spring of the following year.

How to Start Watching on Your Device

Open the Apple TV app on your device. If you already have an Apple TV+ subscription, you are signed in automatically. Search for "Formula 1" or "Drive to Survive" in the search bar at the top of the app. The series will appear in the results.

If you do not have an Apple TV+ subscription yet, tap the show title and select "Subscribe" or "Try Free." Apple TV+ sometimes offers a free trial period (usually seven days), though this varies by device and whether you have used a trial before. After the trial ends, your payment method will be charged monthly or yearly depending on which plan you chose.

Once you are subscribed, tap the episode you want to watch and select "Play." The episode will start streaming when ready if your internet connection is strong enough. You can also read episodes to watch offline by tapping the read icon, though this only works on iPhones and iPads.

Which Devices Support Apple TV+ and F1 Movies

You can watch Drive to Survive on any device with the Apple TV app installed. This includes iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.3 or later, Mac computers running macOS 10.14.6 or later, and Apple TV boxes (4th generation and newer). You can also watch on many smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers if they have the Apple TV app built in.

If your TV does not have the app built in, you can use an Apple TV box, a Roku device with the Apple TV app, Amazon Fire TV, or Google Chromecast to stream to your television. Check your TV's app store or the Apple TV website to see if your model is supported.

The video quality depends on your internet speed and the device you are using. Apple TV+ streams in 4K HDR on compatible devices if you have a fast enough connection (Apple recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K). On older devices or slower connections, the app will automatically adjust to lower quality to prevent buffering.

Timing and Release Schedule for New Seasons

New seasons of Formula 1: Drive to Survive are released once per year, after the F1 racing season ends in December. The new season typically becomes available on Apple TV+ in March or April of the following year. For example, the 2024 racing season ended in December 2024, so the corresponding Drive to Survive season would be expected in spring 2025.

Apple TV+ releases all episodes of a new season at once, so you can watch the entire season back-to-back if you want. There is no weekly release schedule like some other streaming services use. This means you do not have to wait between episodes once the season drops.

If you want to know when the next season is coming, check the Apple TV+ app or Apple's press releases. The company usually announces the release date a few weeks in advance.

What to Do If You Cannot Find F1 Content

If you search for Formula 1 or Drive to Survive and nothing appears, the most common reason is that you are not subscribed to Apple TV+. The show is exclusive to the subscription service and will not show up in search results if you only have access to the regular Apple TV store. Check your account settings to confirm your subscription is active and has not expired.

Another possibility is that your device is not compatible with Apple TV+. Very old devices (iPhones older than iPhone 6s, for example) cannot run the required version of the Apple TV app. If this is the case, you would need to use a different device or an external streaming device like an Apple TV box.

If you are subscribed and using a compatible device but still cannot find the show, try signing out of your Apple account and signing back in. Sometimes the app cache gets stuck and a fresh login fixes it. You can also try deleting and reinstalling the Apple TV app, though this is rarely necessary.

Cost Comparison and Subscription Options

Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month if you pay monthly, or $99 per year if you pay annually (which works out to about $8.25 per month). The yearly plan saves you about $20 compared to paying month-to-month. Both plans give you the same access to all content, including all seasons of Drive to Survive.

If you have an Apple One bundle (which combines Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and other services), Apple TV+ is included. Apple One starts at $16.95 per month for the individual plan. This can be cheaper than paying for multiple services separately, depending on which ones you use.

Some carriers and phone plans include Apple TV+ for free or at a discount. If you have a recent iPhone, iPad, or Mac, check your account settings under "Subscriptions" to see if a trial or promotional offer is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple device to watch F1 movies on Apple TV+?

No. While Apple TV+ is an Apple service, you can watch on many non-Apple devices including Android phones, Samsung and LG smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast. You need the Apple TV app, which is available on most modern streaming devices and smart TVs.

Can I share my Apple TV+ subscription with family members?

Yes. Apple TV+ allows you to share your subscription with up to six family members through Family Sharing. Each person gets their own profile and watch history. Set this up in your Apple ID settings under "Family Sharing."

What happens if I cancel my Apple TV+ subscription?

You lose access to all Apple TV+ content when ready, including Drive to Survive. If you resubscribe later, your watch history and bookmarks are saved. You can cancel anytime without penalty.

Are there other ways to watch F1 content besides Apple TV+?

Drive to Survive is exclusive to Apple TV+, so that is the only way to watch it. However, live F1 races air on ESPN and other sports networks depending on your location. Some races may also be available through ESPN+ or other sports streaming services.

How many seasons of Drive to Survive are available right now?

The number of seasons available changes as new ones are released each year. Check the Apple TV+ app directly to see the current number of seasons. As of early 2025, multiple seasons are available, with new seasons added annually after each F1 season ends.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.