Formula 1 fans watching from home will soon be able to hear the sport in a new way as Apple TV and Dolby are bringing Dolby Atmos to every F1 race weekend in the United States.
Apple and Dolby announced the new feature following a media preview at Chelsea Studios in Manhattan. Dolby Atmos will make its Formula 1 debut on Apple TV during the MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix in Austin, beginning Friday, Oct. 23.
The new audio experience will work alongside Dolby Vision which is already available for Formula 1 coverage on Apple TV. Together, the technologies are designed to make viewers feel closer to the action by improving both the sound and picture of a race.
Dolby Atmos creates a more immersive audio mix by placing sound around the viewer instead of simply coming from the front of a television. For Formula 1, that means fans can hear more of what is happening across the track, including the roar of engines, team radio, crowd noise and other sounds from race weekend.
“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. “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.”
Dolby Vision is aimed at improving the picture with brighter images, stronger contrast and richer colors. During a race, the added detail can make everything from the cars and team uniforms to different sections of a circuit stand out more clearly.
Apple TV became the exclusive U.S. home of Formula 1 this season, carrying every practice, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix live and on demand. Apple says its F1 coverage is available in 4K with Dolby Vision and also includes analysis, original programming and additional viewing options.
Viewers can personalize how they follow a race with alternate layouts that can include the main broadcast, onboard camera feeds, podium coverage and data showing real-time race information.
“We’re always looking for new ways to make Formula 1 on Apple TV even better for fans,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content. “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.”
The addition comes as Formula 1 continues to grow its audience in the United States, where races in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas have helped give the sport a larger presence in the country.
Fans will need an Apple TV subscription and supported Apple devices or compatible Dolby-enabled televisions, soundbars or home theater systems to get the full Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos experience.
The first Formula 1 weekend featuring both technologies will begin with the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin on Oct. 23.
