Apple lands a marquee deal to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States
In a landmark move for both tech and sport, Apple has secured the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States for the next five years. The deal, valued at about $750 million in total, is reported to amount to roughly $150 million annually and will see F1 content available to all Apple TV subscribers in America as part of their standard service. This marks Apple’s first major foray into live sports broadcasting on a broad, subscription-backed platform.
What the deal entails for viewers
Starting in 2026, U.S. fans will gain access to live coverage of all on-track sessions. In addition, Apple TV customers will receive access to content produced by F1 TV, the sport’s in-house channel. While live access is clear, exact commentary arrangements remain unsettled. It is likely that Apple will source commentary from existing providers, such as F1 TV’s own team or from Sky in the UK, rather than launching an in-house booth from scratch at first.
Drive to Survive, the popular documentary series that helped broaden F1’s U.S. appeal, will continue to be available on Netflix and is not expected to be affected by Apple’s new deal. The arrangement focuses on enhancing live race coverage and related programming within Apple’s ecosystem rather than altering existing streaming options for ancillary content.
Strategic drivers behind Apple’s move into sports broadcasting
Several factors appear to have influenced Apple’s decision. The strong global box office performance of the Formula 1 film released earlier this year—starring a major Hollywood actor—has underscored the sport’s potential as a cross-platform content property. Industry insiders note the film’s success contributed to Apple’s confidence in securing the rights. The partnership is designed to amplify F1 across Apple’s array of products and services, including News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+. The goal is to turn Apple TV into a hub for motorsport fans and casual viewers alike.
Impact on Formula 1’s US strategy
For Formula 1, the deal represents a strategic expansion in the largest market for the sport. The previous U.S. rights arrangement with ESPN carried a substantially lower annual value, underscoring how streaming-native platforms are reshaping sports broadcasting economics. With Apple’s platform, F1 can leverage its extensive subscriber base to grow viewership and monetization opportunities, while Apple benefits from a high-profile, exclusive content asset that can drive hardware and service adoption.
Industry reaction and future considerations
The deal signals a broader trend of tech companies investing heavily in live sports as a differentiator. Observers will watch closely how Apple negotiates commentary, regional blackouts, and the integration of F1 TV content with its other services. The collaboration could set a precedent for future multi-platform sports licensing deals, where streaming powerhouses partner with leagues to deliver premium experiences without relying entirely on traditional broadcast models.
Apple’s executive team, including Eddy Cue, emphasized delivering “premium and innovative fan-first coverage” that leverages Apple’s strengths in user experience and services. As the 2026 launch approaches, motorsport enthusiasts and Apple fans alike will be eager to see how the combined technology and sports proposition unfolds across the Apple ecosystem.
