Apple Acquires Exclusive US Broadcasting Rights for Formula 1 (F1) Racing in $750 Million Agreement

In a major shift in sports broadcasting, Apple has secured a groundbreaking five-year exclusive deal to air Formula 1 races in the United States, set to commence in 2026. This agreement marks the end of ESPN’s exclusive coverage, effectively changing the landscape of how fans will engage with the iconic racing series.

Apple to Exclusively Broadcast F1 Races on Apple TV Starting 2026

F1 and Apple TV logos with text Official U. S.Broadcaster of Formula 1 above blurred race cars.

Announced via a dedicated press release, Apple confirmed that their new partnership will bring all Formula 1 races exclusively to the Apple TV platform in the U. S.beginning next year. This move represents Apple’s strategic expansion into sports broadcasting, further solidifying its commitment to delivering high-quality content.

Key features of this partnership include:

All practice sessions and select races will be accessible for free on the Apple TV app, providing fans with an opportunity to engage with F1 events.
F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s dedicated streaming service, will only be available in the U. S.through an active Apple TV subscription, enhancing the viewer experience.
Apple intends to highlight sports-related content across various platforms, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness Plus.

This announcement follows the success of Apple’s original film, F1: The Movie, which has become the highest-grossing sports-themed movie of all time, showcasing Apple’s growing influence in sports entertainment.

From a financial perspective, this deal is significant, with Apple committing to pay $150 million annually for the rights to broadcast Formula 1 races, totaling a remarkable $750 million over the term of the agreement. This substantial investment reflects Apple’s dedication to enhancing user engagement and diversifying its content offerings.

This marks Apple’s second major foray into live sports, following its acquisition of rights to U. S.Major League Soccer for an additional fee, further demonstrating its intent to compete with traditional sports broadcasters.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, it’s anticipated that Apple will not produce its own commentary. Instead, the company may opt to utilize commentary from F1 TV or partner with UK-based Sky Network for its coverage, ensuring that fans receive familiar voices during the races.

Source & Images