Whether it is music, movies, or high-octane sports, having both stunning visuals and immersive sound completely changes the experience.
Apple and Dolby are stepping things up for motorsport fans. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, Apple TV is officially bringing Dolby Atmos sound to Formula 1 coverage in the United States, pairing it with Dolby Vision for an all-around upgraded race experience.
Dolby and Formula 1 on Apple TV: Bringing the Energy of the Track Home
Formula 1 racing is just as much about audio as it is about speed. With Dolby Atmos joining the broadcast, fans can expect full three-dimensional audio placement:
- The Roar of the Grid: Feel the sheer force of engine revs, downshifts, and on-track battles as cars sweep through corners.
- Pit Lane & Team Radio: Crisp, clear communications cut through the noise, putting you in the middle of team strategy and pit-stop drama.
- Trackside Ambience: Crowd noise, curbs, and commentary are placed naturally across your soundstage to recreate the feeling of being trackside.
Paired with Dolby Vision, which launched earlier this season, you get the full sensory package. Dolby Vision highlights vibrant team liveries, circuit lighting, and subtle track details with richer colors, punchier contrast, and sharp clarity.
We had a demo at Chelsea Studios, and the immersive sound is incredible. Something you definitely have to experience in a Dolby Atmos setup to understand how great it is.
What Dolby and Apple Have to Say
Leaders from both companies highlighted how critical this combo is for fans (from the press release) :
“Formula 1 is one of the most captivating sports in the world, where every circuit, team, and race weekend has its own visual and sonic identity,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “Together, Dolby and Apple have redefined how audiences experience entertainment, from music to movies and TV. Now, with Dolby Atmos joining Dolby Vision for Formula 1 on Apple TV, we’re setting a new bar for how fans experience the sights and sounds of the sport.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to make Formula 1 on Apple TV even better for fans,” added Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, Apple TV, and Beats. “The sound of Formula 1 is such an important part of what makes the sport so exciting, and with Dolby Atmos joining Dolby Vision, fans can experience the energy and intensity of every Grand Prix in a whole new way. It’s another example of how we’re continuing to innovate across the viewing experience to bring fans closer to the action.”
How to Watch Formula 1 on Apple TV With Dolby Atmos:
To enjoy the new audio and visual upgrade, you will need:
- The Apple TV app and Apple TV subscription on supported devices
- A compatible Dolby-enabled setup, including Atmos soundbars, AV receivers, multi-channel speaker systems, or supported TVs
As the exclusive U.S. home of Formula 1, Apple TV streams every practice, qualifying session, Sprint race, and Sunday Grand Prix live and on demand in 4K with Dolby Vision. Fans can also tap into customizable Multiview features, letting you watch onboard cameras alongside the main feed, or track live timings via dedicated Data and Podium layouts.
Mark Your Calendar
Dolby Atmos officially goes live alongside Dolby Vision starting with the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix race weekend on Friday, October 23, streaming exclusively on Apple TV.
