In a major shift for motorsport broadcasting, F1 Apple TV will become the exclusive home for Formula 1 coverage in the United States starting in 2026. This landmark five-year agreement signals a new era for American F1 fans, moving the sport away from traditional cable and fully into the streaming age.
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Why F1 Apple TV Is a Game Changer
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. media rights to Formula 1 under a five-year deal beginning with the 2026 season. The arrangement covers all race weekends, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint events, and the Grand Prix races.
For the first time, every session will be streamed through Apple’s platform. Selected races and all practice sessions will also be available for free via the Apple TV app, allowing casual fans to stay engaged without a paid subscription.
Financially, this deal represents a significant step up. Apple’s annual payment for the rights is reportedly around $140 million, surpassing the amount paid by previous broadcasters. This investment aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to become a major player in live sports streaming, building on the success of its previous ventures with other sports leagues.
Apple’s involvement with Formula 1 extends beyond broadcasting. The company is also behind the high-profile film F1 The Movie, which is set to make its streaming debut on Apple TV in December 2025. By connecting live race coverage with exclusive content, Apple aims to create a more immersive ecosystem for fans.
In addition, Apple plans to integrate F1 content across its suite of services. Real-time race data, leaderboards, and updates will be embedded into Apple News, Maps, Music, Fitness+, and the Apple Sports app, offering fans new ways to follow the championship beyond traditional race broadcasts.
What Changes for U.S. Viewers
From ESPN to Apple TV
Since 2018, ESPN has been the primary broadcaster of Formula 1 in the U.S. That chapter closes at the end of the 2025 season. Beginning in 2026, Apple TV will be the sole streaming destination for Formula 1 in America. No races will air on ESPN’s linear channels under this new arrangement.
Free Access vs. Subscription
While most content will require an Apple TV subscription, Apple has committed to offering select races and all practice sessions for free through the Apple TV app. This hybrid model allows new viewers to sample the sport while ensuring dedicated fans have full access through a paid plan.
The current F1 TV Premium service available to U.S. subscribers will be discontinued as a standalone product and fully integrated into Apple’s ecosystem. This means fans will access all official F1 content through a single platform, simplifying how they watch the sport.
Enhanced User Experience
Apple is expected to leverage its technological ecosystem to provide an upgraded viewing experience. Features include:
- Real-time leaderboards and telemetry data displayed alongside live streams.
- Live Activities and widgets on iPhones, allowing users to follow races from their home screen.
- Cross-platform compatibility for seamless streaming across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV devices.
- Deeper integration with Apple services such as Music and News for themed content during race weekends.
This approach aims to turn race coverage into an interactive, multi-platform experience that appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers.
The Path to the Deal
Discussions surrounding Apple’s interest in Formula 1’s U.S. rights began earlier in 2025. At that time, ESPN’s existing contract was nearing its end, and the network was reportedly hesitant to match Apple’s aggressive bid.
Apple’s proposal stood out not only for its financial scale but also for its strategic vision. The company emphasized its ability to bring Formula 1 to a wider digital audience through cutting-edge technology and marketing power.
By mid-2025, reports indicated Apple had outbid its competitors, securing the exclusive rights. The announcement in October 2025 made it official: Apple TV would take over the U.S. Formula 1 broadcasting rights from 2026 through 2030.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend of major technology companies competing for premium sports rights. Apple has previously made significant investments in soccer and baseball, and the Formula 1 deal marks its most ambitious sports partnership yet.
What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
Seamless Access Across Devices
One of Apple’s key strengths lies in its ecosystem. Fans will be able to watch races on their preferred devices without complex logins or additional subscriptions. Whether through a TV, phone, or tablet, the viewing experience is expected to be smooth and consistent.
New Subscription Models
Apple has not yet announced the final pricing structure for F1 content. It remains to be seen whether F1 coverage will be included in the standard Apple TV subscription or offered as an add-on package. Given Apple’s approach to other sports, a bundled model seems likely, providing value to users who already subscribe to Apple services.
Cultural Reach and Engagement
Apple’s entry into Formula 1 broadcasting reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the United States. Over the past few years, interest has surged thanks to new races like Miami and Las Vegas, as well as the sport’s strong presence on social media. By integrating F1 coverage into its platform, Apple aims to capitalize on this momentum and attract both existing fans and new audiences.
Synergy with F1 The Movie
The upcoming F1 The Movie is expected to serve as a powerful promotional tool. The film’s streaming debut in December 2025 will likely drive subscribers to Apple TV just months before the live coverage begins. This synergy could create one of the most comprehensive motorsport media ecosystems ever built on a single platform.
Potential Challenges
Despite the excitement, the transition may present some hurdles. Longtime viewers accustomed to ESPN may resist switching platforms. Additionally, ensuring reliable streaming quality for millions of simultaneous viewers will be crucial to avoid backlash. Apple’s infrastructure is robust, but the scale of Formula 1 viewership presents unique challenges.
A Defining Moment for F1 in the U.S.
The F1 Apple TV deal represents more than just a change in broadcaster. It marks a turning point for how Formula 1 is consumed in the United States. Fans will gain access to enhanced features, deeper integration, and a modernized viewing experience. At the same time, this move consolidates coverage under a single tech giant, setting the stage for significant changes in how sports broadcasting operates going forward.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Apple delivers on its promise to revolutionize F1 coverage for U.S. fans.