Apple has officially announced a landmark five-year agreement to become the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1. Starting with the 2026 season, Apple TV will replace ESPN as the sole home for all F1 race coverage in the United States, marking a major shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.
What the Deal Includes
Under the terms of this multi-year deal, Apple TV subscribers will gain access to every practice session, qualifying round, Sprint event, and Grand Prix. To broaden reach, the company confirmed that select races and all practice sessions will be available to stream for free within the Apple TV app throughout the season.
A Massive Investment in Sports Media
Reports indicate that Apple is paying between $140 million and $150 million annually for these rights, totaling approximately $750 million over the five-year term. This represents a significant premium over the $85 million annual fee currently paid by ESPN, signaling Apple’s aggressive intent to dominate the sports streaming market.
This development follows Apple’s recent rebranding of its streaming service from “Apple TV+” to simply “Apple TV.”
Integrating F1 Across the Apple Ecosystem
Beyond live broadcasts, Apple plans to integrate Formula 1 into its wider service portfolio. Coverage will be amplified across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. Furthermore, the Apple Sports app will provide a comprehensive fan experience, featuring:
- Real-time leaderboards and race updates.
- Season-long driver and constructor standings.
- Live Activities for iPhone Lock Screens.
- Dedicated Home Screen widgets for race weekends.
Synergy with the ‘F1’ Movie
The streaming rights follow the massive success of the film F1, produced in partnership with the sport. The movie, which stars Brad Pitt, grossed $629 million globally, securing its place as the highest-grossing sports film in history. It is scheduled to arrive on Apple TV on December 12.
A Strategic Move for Growth
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world. We look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage.”
Formula 1 is currently one of the fastest-growing sports leagues globally, boasting a U.S. fanbase that reached 52 million in 2024. This acquisition bolsters Apple TV’s existing sports portfolio, which already includes partnerships with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.
For more details on the transition, read the official announcement on the Apple Newsroom.