Sports

Guide to Watching the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix

The highly anticipated 2026 Belgian Grand Prix is fast approaching, set to unfold at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit this coming Sunday. This race marks a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 season, with perennial powerhouses Mercedes and Ferrari showcasing their dominance. Fans are eagerly anticipating the event, particularly given the track's challenging elevation changes and the notoriously unpredictable weather conditions, which often lead to dramatic and unexpected turns of events on the circuit.

As the tenth round of the F1 championship nears, only two teams have managed to secure victories: Mercedes and Ferrari. These two formidable contenders are once again positioned as front-runners for the prestigious race in the Ardennes. Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell currently hold the leading positions in the Drivers' Championship standings, with Lewis Hamilton closely trailing. Furthermore, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc recently clinched his maiden win at the British Grand Prix just two weeks prior, significantly boosting his points tally to surpass both McLaren drivers with a total of 108 points. These dynamics set the stage for an electrifying competition.

For fans in the United States, Apple TV holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the entire 2026 F1 season. New subscribers to Apple TV can take advantage of a 7-day complimentary trial to experience the race live. Additionally, individuals who have recently acquired an eligible Apple device may qualify for an extended free trial period of up to three months. Following the trial, the subscription cost is $12.99 per month. Apple TV's coverage encompasses all Free Practice sessions, Qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and the Grand Prix events, with selected races and all practice sessions accessible without additional charge within the Apple TV application. Moreover, F1's premium content offering, F1 TV Premium, will continue to be available in the U.S. exclusively through an Apple TV subscription, provided free of charge to existing subscribers.

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled to commence at 3:00 p.m. local time at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, on Sunday, July 19. For audiences across North America, this translates to a 9 a.m. start in Eastern Time, 8 a.m. in Central Time, 7 a.m. in Mountain Time, and 6 a.m. in Pacific Time on the same day. This comprehensive schedule ensures that fans across different regions can tune in to witness the high-octane racing action. The complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar also includes various other significant races in locations such as Australia, China, Japan, the USA, Canada, Monaco, Spain, Austria, Great Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Mexico, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, promising a full season of thrilling motorsport events.

The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle, highlighting the intense rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari and the exceptional skills of their drivers. With its unique track characteristics and the current championship standings, the race is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Viewers have multiple options to catch every moment of the action, ensuring widespread access to this iconic event in the Formula 1 calendar.