TLDR
- Apple TV has won exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026 with a five-year deal worth over $140 million annually
- The deal replaces ESPN as the current US broadcaster and represents a price increase from the reported $90 million ESPN paid per year since 2023
- All F1 practice sessions, qualifying, and races will be available to Apple TV subscribers at $12.99 per month, with select races and practice sessions free in the app
- F1 TV Premium will no longer exist as a standalone app in the US but will be included free with Apple TV subscriptions
- The partnership extends Apple’s relationship with F1 following their collaboration on F1: The Movie, which became the highest-grossing sports film ever with nearly $630 million globally
Apple TV has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026. The deal runs through 2030 and marks a change from current broadcaster ESPN.
The announcement was made official during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin. Sources indicate Apple will pay more than $140 million per year for the exclusive US rights.
This represents an increase from the approximately $90 million ESPN has been paying annually since 2023. ESPN has held the US broadcasting rights since 2017.
Under the new agreement, all Formula 1 practice sessions, qualifying sessions, and races will be available to Apple TV subscribers. The streaming service costs $12.99 per month.
Select races and all practice sessions throughout each season will be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app. The service will also offer a Spanish language option for viewers.
The deal changes how American fans access F1 TV Premium. The premium service will no longer exist as a standalone app in the United States.
Instead, F1 TV Premium will be included free with Apple TV subscriptions. Current F1 TV Premium subscribers will need to transition to Apple TV to maintain access.
Apple Expands Sports Broadcasting Portfolio
Apple already holds broadcasting rights for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. The company plans to promote Formula 1 across its ecosystem of apps and services.
This includes Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. The integration aims to reach new audiences beyond traditional racing fans.
The partnership builds on Apple’s existing relationship with Formula 1. The two organizations spent three years collaborating on F1: The Movie.
The film was released earlier in 2025 and grossed nearly $630 million globally. It became the highest-grossing sports movie of all time.
Streaming Shift for Formula 1 Fans
F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali called the partnership exciting for both organizations. He said it will help maximize growth potential in the United States market.
Domenicali referenced the shared vision to bring Formula 1 to existing fans and attract new ones. The approach includes live broadcasts, engaging content, and year-round programming.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said the company is expanding its relationship with Formula 1. He described Formula 1 as one of the fastest-growing sports globally.
The 2026 season will bring new teams, regulations, and cars to Formula 1. Apple plans to deliver coverage in a way unique to its platform capabilities.
A 2025 Global Fan Survey by Motorsport Network and Formula 1 found that 47 percent of new US Formula 1 fans are aged 18 to 24. Over half of new US fans are female, with younger audiences favoring streaming services over traditional television.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
