Apple Secures $750 Million Deal to Broadcast F1 in the U.S

Apple Accelerates into Formula 1: Lands US Broadcast rights in Landmark Deal

October 17, 2025

In a significant shakeup of the motorsports broadcasting landscape, Apple has officially secured the exclusive United States broadcast rights for Formula 1 racing, beginning with the 2026 season. This move effectively concludes ESPN’s extensive coverage of the high-octane series, marking a new era for F1 viewership in the country.

The agreement, reportedly valued at approximately US$750 million, signals Apple’s growing ambition in the sports content market. The tech giant is aiming to capitalize on Formula 1’s increasing popularity, particularly within the American demographic. Recent data indicates a 54% surge in F1 viewership in the United States between 2022 and 2023,fueled by the “Drive to Survive” docuseries on netflix.

The Shift in Broadcast Strategy

For decades, ESPN has been the primary home for Formula 1 in the US, cultivating a dedicated fanbase. However, Apple’s entrance introduces a streaming-centric approach, potentially attracting a younger and more tech-savvy audience. The transition reflects a broader trend in the media industry, where streaming services are aggressively pursuing live sports rights to bolster subscriptions.

Industry analysts predict that Apple will leverage its expansive ecosystem – including Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and its devices – to offer a comprehensive F1 experience. This may involve exclusive content, interactive features, and integration with Apple’s other services.

Key facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
New Rights Holder	Apple
Previous Rights Holder	ESPN
Deal Value (approx.)	US$750 Million
Start Date	2026 Season
Geographic Region	United States

Did You Know? Formula 1’s global television audience reached 44.5 million viewers in 2023, according to official F1 data.

The implications of this deal extend beyond broadcasting. It underscores the substantial financial potential of Formula 1 and its growing appeal as a global entertainment property. It remains to be seen how Apple will innovate the viewing experience.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Apple’s announcements for details on subscription models and potential bundling options for F1 coverage.

What impact do you think Apple’s entry will have on Formula 1’s accessibility to American fans? And how will this deal influence other sports broadcasting negotiations?

The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting

The shift of Formula 1 broadcasting to Apple exemplifies a fundamental change occurring within the sports media industry. Traditional television networks are increasingly competing with streaming giants for exclusive rights, driven by the desire to attract and retain subscribers. This trend is evident across various sports, with platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock also making significant investments in live sports content.

This move isn’t unique to Formula 1; the NFL has increasingly partnered with streaming services, and major League Baseball has expanded its digital offerings. The demand for flexibility and on-demand content is reshaping how fans consume sports, granting viewers unprecedented control over their viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple and F1

• What does this mean for current F1 fans in the US? This means Formula 1 racing will be available thru apple’s streaming services, potentially requiring a subscription.
• Will Apple offer a dedicated F1 channel? Details are still emerging, but it’s likely Apple will integrate F1 coverage into its existing Apple TV+ platform.
• How will this affect ESPN’s sports coverage? ESPN will continue to broadcast other major sporting events, but will no longer feature Formula 1 racing.
• Is this deal part of a larger strategy by Apple? Yes, it’s a clear indication of Apple’s ambition to become a major player in the sports streaming market.
• What is the estimated value of the Apple-F1 broadcast deal? Reports suggest the deal is valued at approximately US$750 million.

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What are the potential benefits for Apple in securing exclusive F1 broadcasting rights?

The Landmark Agreement: Apple & formula 1

Apple has officially secured a $750 million deal to become the exclusive home of Formula 1 racing in the United States, beginning in 2025. This marks a significant shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting and represents a major investment by Apple in live sports content. The agreement, finalized in late 2024, will see all F1 races streamed live on a new dedicated section within the Apple TV+ platform. This move directly challenges traditional sports broadcasters and solidifies Apple’s position as a key player in the streaming wars. The deal impacts how American fans consume Formula 1, moving away from ESPN’s long-held broadcast rights.

Key Details of the Apple F1 Deal

Here’s a breakdown of the core components of the Apple-Formula 1 agreement:

* Exclusivity: Apple TV+ will be the sole provider of live Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. starting in 2025.

* Financial Commitment: The $750 million deal is a substantial investment, signaling Apple’s long-term commitment to F1.

* Coverage Scope: The agreement encompasses all Formula 1 races, qualifying sessions, and practice sessions.

* Production Value: Apple is expected to invest heavily in high-quality production, including advanced graphics, data analytics, and potentially immersive viewing experiences.

* No Cable Subscription Required: Viewers will only need an Apple TV+ subscription to access the races, eliminating the need for traditional cable or satellite packages.

* Apple TV 4K Support: Races will be available in stunning 4K HDR quality for compatible Apple TV devices.

Impact on Existing F1 Viewership & ESPN

The transition from ESPN to Apple TV+ will undoubtedly impact how American fans access Formula 1. ESPN had held the U.S.broadcast rights for several years, contributing to a significant surge in F1’s popularity in the country, notably with the release of the Drive to Survive docuseries on Netflix.

* Cord-Cutters Benefit: The Apple deal is particularly appealing to cord-cutters who have already embraced streaming services.

* Potential Accessibility Concerns: Some fans may be hesitant to subscribe to another streaming service, potentially leading to a temporary dip in viewership.

* ESPN’s Response: ESPN has indicated it will focus on other motorsports properties, including IndyCar and NASCAR, to fill the void left by F1.

* Drive to Survive Synergy: Apple will likely leverage the popularity of Drive to Survive to promote its F1 coverage and attract new viewers.

What to Expect from Apple’s F1 Broadcast

Apple is promising a significantly enhanced viewing experience. While specific details are still emerging, here’s what fans can anticipate:

* Enhanced Data visualization: Expect real-time data overlays, detailed telemetry, and advanced analytics to provide deeper insights into the races.

* Multiple Camera Angles: Apple is likely to offer a wide range of camera angles, including onboard cameras, drone footage, and 360-degree views.

* Interactive Features: Potential features include interactive race maps,driver profiles,and live chat functionality.

* Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Apple devices,allowing viewers to watch on iPhones,iPads,Macs,and Apple TVs.

* Potential for Augmented Reality (AR): Apple coudl explore AR applications to enhance the viewing experience, such as overlaying race data onto a live video feed.

Apple’s Broader Sports Strategy

The F1 deal is part of a larger strategy by Apple to expand its presence in the live sports market. Apple has already secured rights to Major League Baseball (MLB) games, and is actively pursuing other sports properties.

* Attracting & Retaining Subscribers: Live sports are a powerful draw for subscribers, helping to increase engagement and reduce churn.

* Showcasing Apple Technology: Live sports provide an prospect to showcase Apple’s technology, including its 4K HDR capabilities and advanced streaming infrastructure.

* Building a Sports Ecosystem: Apple aims to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem within Apple TV+, offering a wide range of live and on-demand content.

* Competition with Streaming Giants: This move positions Apple as a direct competitor to streaming giants like amazon, Netflix, and Disney+, all of whom are investing heavily in sports rights.

Practical Tips for F1 Fans

Here’s how to prepare for the transition to Apple TV+ F1 coverage:

1. Subscribe to Apple TV+: Ensure you have an active Apple TV+ subscription before the 2025 season begins.
2. Check Device Compatibility: Verify that your devices (Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac) are compatible with Apple TV+ and support 4K HDR streaming.
3. **Familiar