Beginning in 2026, the U.S. will experience the sound of F1 racing engines in a new location. Apple has signed a historic five-year deal that gives it exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to Formula 1. This ends ESPN’s run and puts Apple’s Apple TV service at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
This move brings together two well-known global brands known for innovation and excellence. The partnership marks a new era for how American fans will experience the best of motorsport. Apple plans to use its powerful ecosystem to reach both hardcore fans and new fans.
A partnership built on working together and having a common goal
The new broadcasting deal is not the first time Apple and F1 racing have worked together. The two companies worked closely together on the hit Apple Original Film F1: The Movie, which starred Brad Pitt.
That project involved an unprecedented three-year collaboration with the F1 racing community, with the production capturing over 185 hours of footage at real Grand Prix weekends to achieve authenticity. The movie went on to be a huge hit with critics and at the box office, making almost $630 million worldwide and becoming the most successful sports movie of all time.
This long-standing relationship has built a base of trust. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, said, “Trust is important in these relationships,” and praised Apple as “a social movement” rather than just a tech company. The movie’s success brought the two companies together in a bigger way, and they both said they wanted to find new ways to bring the sport to fans.
Financial Deal and Broadcast Details for F1 Racing
Apple made a strong financial offer that led to the five-year deal, which starts in 2026. Reports say Apple offered between $120 million and $150 million per year, which was far more than ESPN’s highest bid of about $90 million. The arrangement promises full coverage for viewers. All live sessions, such as free practice, qualifying, sprint sessions, and Grands Prix, will be on Apple TV.
The Apple TV app lets you watch all free practice sessions and some races. This makes it possible for many people to play the sport. Additionally, F1 TV Premium, the sport’s top streaming service that lets you see onboard cameras and other data, will still only be available in the U.S. through a U.S. Apple TV subscription, and those who sign up this way will get it for free.
Driving the future of F1 racing in the United States
This partnership comes at a key time for Formula 1’s growth in the U.S. Interest in the sport has grown significantly, with the U.S. fanbase reaching 52 million. This makes it the biggest market for F1 on YouTube and social media. This growth is mostly due to younger, more diverse audiences.
The 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey shows this change. It shows that 47% of new U.S. fans who have been following the sport for 5 years or less are between 18 and 24, and more than half are women. These new fans are highly emotionally invested and very interested in the sport. They often learn about it through digital content and stories instead of traditional broadcasts.
These trends fit perfectly with Apple’s strategy. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, said that the company will use the same marketing strategy for F1: The Movie. Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+ will all cover the sport more, giving people more chances to learn about it and watch it.
Stefano Domenicali said, “This deal is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will help us keep growing in the U.S. with thought content and new ways to get it out there. ” Apple is ready to give fans front-row access to a new era of Formula 1 that will begin in 2026 with new teams, rules, and cars.
Furthermore, F1 TV Premium, the sport’s own premier streaming service with access to onboard cameras and additional data, will continue to be available in the U.S. exclusively via an Apple TV subscription and will be offered for free to those who subscribe through this method.
