Apple has signed a 5-year, exclusive broadcasting deal with Formula 1 now that ESPN's exclusive broadcasting tenure for the iconic racing competition is all set to end in 2025.
Apple Is Bringing F1 Races Exclusively To Apple TV In The US From 2026
Apple has just announced via a dedicated press release that it has signed a "five-year partnership that will bring all F1 races exclusively to Apple TV in the United States beginning next year."
Additional details include:
- Apple TV will cover all Formula 1 practice, qualifying, and Sprint sessions, as well as the Grands Prix.
- All practice sessions, along with a few races, will be available for free on the Apple TV app.
- Apple Sports - a free app for iPhones - will provide "live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race for each Grand Prix across the season, with real-time leaderboards, season driver and constructor standings, Live Activities to follow on the Lock Screen, and a designated widget for the iPhone Home Screen."
- F1 TV Premium, which is Formula 1's bespoke content streaming service, will only be available in the US via an active Apple TV subscription.
- Apple will start emphasizing sports-based content across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness Plus.
This development comes as Apple TV's original film, F1 The Movie, has now become the highest-grossing sports-themed movie of all time.
As far as the deal's economics are concerned, Apple will pay $150 million each year for the next five years - bringing the total to $750 million - to secure Formula 1 exclusive broadcasting rights in the US.
Do note that this is Apple's second major sports-themed venture. It already provides coverage of the US Major League Soccer for an additional charge.
Finally, it is unlikely that Apple will bring its own commentary for the Formula 1 season beginning in 2026. Instead, it is probable that the Cupertino giant would either purchase F1 TV's commentary or one from UK's Sky network.
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