Apple has struck a landmark deal to become the exclusive broadcaster of Formula 1 in the United States from 2026, with a five-year agreement worth approximately $750 million (£558 million).
The deal — Apple’s biggest-ever sports broadcasting venture — marks a major step in the company’s expansion into live sports and will make F1 coverage available to all Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost beyond their standard subscription.
A New Era for F1 Broadcasting in the US
Beginning in 2026, Apple TV will carry live coverage of all F1 races, qualifying sessions, and practice sessions, as well as access to the sport’s dedicated streaming platform, F1 TV.
Insiders say Apple will pay around $150 million (£111.6 million) per year, nearly double what ESPN currently pays under its existing deal (approximately $80 million per year).
This partnership is the first time Apple has fully integrated a global sport into its base subscription service. Unlike its MLS Season Pass, which costs extra, F1 content will be included for all Apple TV subscribers in the US.
Apple and F1: A Growing Relationship
Apple’s interest in Formula 1 has grown steadily, boosted by the success of the Brad Pitt-led F1 movie, which was released earlier in 2025. The film, co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, has earned over $630 million (£470 million) globally — making it both the highest-grossing sports movie of all time and Pitt’s biggest box-office success.
F1 Chairman Stefano Domenicali hailed the deal as a “transformative step” for the sport’s US presence:
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we continue to maximise our growth potential in the US with the right content and innovative distribution channels.”
Apple’s Senior VP of Services Eddy Cue echoed the sentiment, suggesting the company’s ambitions go beyond a single contract term.
“We didn’t get into this just for five years. We did it because we think it can be huge, and we’re going to want to do this for many years after.”
Commentary and Production Plans
Initially, Apple is not expected to produce its own commentary. Instead, it may license audio feeds from F1 TV or Sky Sports UK for the first season of coverage.
F1 confirmed that Apple will also have access to its in-house content production, providing fans with full live coverage, pre- and post-race programming, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
The deal will also allow Apple to integrate F1 content across its other platforms — including Apple News, Maps, Music, Sports, and Fitness+ — creating a more immersive fan experience.
Impact on ESPN and US F1 Growth
The move ends F1’s current partnership with ESPN, which had helped the sport gain traction in the United States during the Netflix “Drive to Survive” era.
That series, which streams on Netflix, will not be affected by the new rights deal and will continue to produce new seasons.
Apple’s entry is expected to further accelerate the sport’s rapid growth in the US, bolstered by high-profile events such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the upcoming Brad Pitt sequel film project already in early talks.
Cue added:
“F1 has grown massively in the US, but it can still grow exponentially. We’re just getting started.”
What’s Next for Global F1 Rights?
While Domenicali did not confirm plans for Apple to expand F1 coverage into other markets, he hinted that the success of the US deal could open doors internationally:
“We have to do the right things in this market, and if it works and there are opportunities elsewhere, why not?”
Leave a Reply