Apple announced Friday that it has secured exclusive broadcast rights to F1 in the United States. A new five-year deal between the tech giant and F1 will see Apple TV become the exclusive streaming home for all F1 races from the 2026 season, replacing current broadcaster ESPN.
Apple TV subscribers can watch every practice, qualifying, sprint session, and grand prix race. Apple says select races and all practice sessions will be available for free on the Apple TV app throughout the season.
Apple reportedly bid between $140 million and $150 million per year for the rights, significantly more than the $85 million per year that ESPN currently pays F1. The deal with Apple is valued at approximately $750 million over five years.
The move comes just days after Apple rebranded its streaming service from “Apple TV+” to simply “Apple TV” and ditched the plus sign.
It also follows Apple’s partnership with F1 on the original film F1, starring Brad Pitt, which grossed $629 million worldwide this year, making it the highest-grossing sports film of all time. The film is scheduled to be released on Apple TV on December 12th.
In addition to broadcasting F1, Apple says it will expand the sport through Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. In addition, the Apple Sports app features live updates of all qualifying, sprints and races for each Grand Prix during the season, with real-time leaderboards, season driver and constructor standings, live activity you can follow on your lock screen, and home screen widgets.
“We’re excited to expand our relationship with F1 and give Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” Eddie Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said in a press release. “2026 marks a new era of change for F1, from new teams to new regulations and a fleet featuring the world’s best drivers. We look forward to delivering premium, innovative, fan-first coverage to our customers the way only Apple can.”
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F1 is the latest sport to join the Apple TV lineup, along with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.
Apple says F1 is one of the fastest growing leagues in the world, with a fan base in the US expected to reach 52 million by 2024.
