In a seismic shift for the U.S. sports media landscape, Apple has clinched exclusive domestic broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in a five-year, multimillion-dollar deal starting in the 2026 season. This landmark agreement, announced during the U.S. Grand Prix weekend in Austin, will see F1 coverage transition entirely from traditional linear television (ESPN) to an all-streaming model on the Apple TV platform.While official financial terms were not disclosed, industry sources estimate the deal is valued between $140 million and $160 million annually, a significant increase over ESPN's prior contract, which was reportedly worth around $85 million per year. This aggressive bid underscores Apple's serious ambition to become a major global player in live sports entertainment and move beyond its existing exclusive deal with Major League Soccer (MLS).
For Formula 1's owner, Liberty Media, the partnership offers not only a substantial financial boost but also strategic access to Apple's massive ecosystem of nearly 300 million iPhone users in the U.S.. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the deal's potential to "maximise our growth potential in the US with the right content and innovative distribution channels," particularly among the sport's rapidly expanding, younger, and tech-savvy fanbase.
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Under the new agreement, all on-track sessions—including practice, qualifying, Sprint events, and every Grand Prix race—will be streamed live on Apple TV. A key feature for fans is the inclusion of F1's existing premium service, F1 TV Premium, which will be folded into the standard Apple TV subscription at no extra cost. This means U.S. subscribers will have access to a wealth of extra content, such as multiple camera angles and real-time data overlays, which were previously part of a separate subscription. Apple is promising "premium and innovative fan-first coverage" and a "multi-platform, immersive experience" by integrating F1 content across its suite of services:
- Apple Sports (free app): Real-time results, leaderboards, standings, and live tracking on the lock screen.
- Apple News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+: Themed content, circuit information, official playlists, and F1-inspired workouts.
- Free Content: To maintain broad exposure, select races and all practice sessions will be available for free within the Apple TV app.
The deal marks a notable departure for F1 from traditional linear television, a move that is being watched closely by the sports media industry. While the shift to a streaming-only platform in the US raises questions about potential short-term audience reach compared to ESPN's wide cable presence, both Apple and F1 are betting on the tech giant's ability to engage fans in new ways and attract a new generation of viewers.
The timing of the deal in 2026 aligns with a transformative new era for F1, which will introduce major technical regulation changes, lighter cars, hybrid power unit changes, and new entrants like Audi and Ford, potentially shaking up the competitive order. Apple's production plans and specific technological enhancements will be detailed in the coming months, but the focus remains on leveraging its technology to deliver a superior, highly interactive viewing experience.
