Apple TV Secures Exclusive F1 US Broadcast Rights in Five-Year Deal

Apple TV has won the exclusive broadcast rights for Formula 1 in the United States, signing a landmark five-year deal with F1's commercial rightsholder to begin in 2026. This move positions Apple as a dominant player in sports streaming and signifies a major shift in F1's US media landscape, aiming to capitalize on the sport's burgeoning popularity.

Why it matters:

Apple's acquisition of F1 broadcast rights is a game-changer for both entities. For F1, it means a substantial increase in revenue and a strategic partnership with a tech giant known for its global reach and innovative content delivery. For Apple, it solidifies its position in the highly competitive sports streaming market, leveraging F1's rapidly growing, younger, and more diverse US fanbase, further integrating the sport into its expansive ecosystem.

The Details:

• Deal Confirmed: The five-year agreement between Apple and F1 was officially announced during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, with coverage commencing in 2026 and running through 2030.
• Financials: While no official figures were disclosed, industry sources indicate Apple will pay over $140 million annually for the US exclusivity. This is a significant increase from the reported $90 million per year ESPN was paying since 2023.
• Content Access: From 2026, all F1 practice sessions, qualifying sessions, and races will be exclusively available to Apple TV subscribers. Select races and practice sessions will also be offered for free on the app, alongside a Spanish language option.
• F1 TV Integration: The existing F1 TV standalone app will cease operations in the US. Instead, F1 TV Premium features will be integrated into the standard Apple TV subscription ($12.99 per month) at no additional cost.
• Demographic Shift: This deal reflects F1's strategic focus on its evolving fanbase. A 2025 Global Fan Survey showed that 47% of new US F1 fans are aged 18-24, and over half are female, with these younger demographics increasingly preferring streaming services over traditional linear television.
• Apple's Sports Portfolio: Apple is no stranger to live sports, already holding broadcast rights for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. The company plans to leverage its vast ecosystem, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+, to attract new American sports fans to F1.

Between the lines:

This partnership extends beyond mere broadcasting; Apple was also behind the successful F1 movie, which became the highest-grossing sports film of all time. This existing collaboration highlights a shared vision between F1 and Apple to produce engaging content and innovate distribution channels. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the goal of maximizing growth potential in the US and enticing new fans through live broadcasts and a year-round approach to keep them invested in the sport.

What's next:

This deal sets the stage for a transformative new era for F1 in the US, aligning with new teams, regulations, and car designs expected in 2026. Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, expressed excitement about delivering