Apple Clinches U.S. Streaming Rights for Formula 1 in $700 Million Deal: Becomes Exclusive Content Provider for F1 in America

October 18, 2025

Apple Revs up formula 1 Coverage With $700 Million Broadcast Deal

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Apple is set to become the exclusive home of Formula 1 in the United States beginning in 2026.

motor racingS premier series, Formula 1, has a new broadcasting partner in the united States: technology titan Apple.The streaming giant has clinched an exclusive agreement, valued at a reported $700 million, to broadcast Formula 1 races for the next five seasons, commencing in 2026 and extending through 2030.

A Landmark Deal For Apple And Formula 1

This acquisition marks Apple’s most ample investment in sports broadcasting to date.Apple TV subscribers will gain access to comprehensive Formula 1 coverage,which will include every on-track session. The deal signifies a significant financial boost for Formula 1, exceeding the previous agreement with Disney-owned ESPN.

ESPN had been paying $90 million annually for the rights, whereas Apple’s offer reaches approximately $140 million per year. The outgoing ESPN contract was a three-year expansion finalized in late 2022, covering the 2023-2025 racing seasons.

What This means For Viewers

While Apple assumes the role of primary broadcaster, F1 TV Premium will remain available in the US, accessible solely through an Apple TV subscription. Apple will deliver live coverage of all practice, qualifying, sprint, and Grand Prix sessions, utilizing the existing production capabilities of the F1 TV in-house team.

Notably, Apple will not initially produce its own dedicated commentary team; details regarding commentary arrangements are still pending. Select races, along with all free practice sessions, will be offered at no cost via the Apple TV app.

Did You Know? Apple previously dipped its toes into sports broadcasting with Major League Soccer (MLS), securing nearly exclusive domestic rights through 2032, and also broadcasts select Friday night Major League Baseball (MLB) games.

The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Expanding Sports Portfolio

Apple’s foray into sports extends beyond Formula 1 and soccer. The company released ‘F1 The Movie’ in June,which has earned over $628 million globally,and plans to launch it on Apple TV in mid-december. Apple also intends to integrate the sport into its broader ecosystem, including News, Maps, Music, Sports, and Fitness+.

Comparing Broadcast Deals

Broadcaster	Annual Value	Contract Years
ESPN	$90 Million	2023-2025
Apple	$140 Million	2026-2030

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to amplify growth in the U.S. market with engaging content and innovative distribution. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exciting changes coming to Formula 1 in 2026.

Industry Reaction: A Bold move By apple

Industry analysts note that this deal signals Apple’s serious intention to become a major player in the sports media rights landscape. however, some question whether Apple’s streaming service possesses the established infrastructure to compete with established sports broadcasters like Netflix and Disney. Experts suggest Apple hopes the popularity of the ‘F1: drive to Survive’ series, continues to attract new fans to the sport and to convert moviegoers to racing enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how apple leverages its existing suite of products and services to enhance the Formula 1 viewing experience for its subscribers.

The Growing Popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S.

The surge in Formula 1’s popularity within the United States has been remarkable in recent years. A pivotal catalyst for this growth has been the Netflix docuseries F1: drive to Survive, which premiered in 2019. The series provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, teams, and drama of the Formula 1 world, attracting a new generation of fans. This heightened interest is reflected in increased viewership numbers and race attendance at the three U.S. Grand Prix events scheduled for next season: Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

Frequently Asked Questions About The apple F1 Deal

• What does this Apple deal mean for Formula 1 fans? Apple will provide comprehensive live coverage of all F1 sessions through Apple TV, expanding accessibility for subscribers.
• Will F1 TV Premium still be available? Yes, but only through an Apple TV subscription.
• Will there be new commentators with Apple’s coverage? Apple has not yet announced plans for a dedicated commentary team.
• What other sports does Apple broadcast? Apple currently broadcasts Major League Soccer (MLS) and select MLB games.
• How much did Apple pay for the Formula 1 rights? Apple’s deal is reportedly worth $700 million over five years, translating to $140 million annually.
• Will ‘F1: Drive to Survive’ be affected by this change? No, the popular Netflix series will continue independently of the broadcasting rights deal.

What are your thoughts on apple entering the Formula 1 broadcasting arena? Do you think this will enhance the viewing experience for fans?

Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below!

What potential impacts could Apple’s exclusive F1 deal have on ESPN’s future sports broadcasting strategy?

The Landmark Deal: apple & Formula 1

Apple has secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1 racing in a monumental $700 million deal, beginning with the 2025 season.This marks a significant shift in how American audiences will consume F1, moving away from ESPN’s long-held broadcast partnership. The agreement designates Apple TV+ as the sole home for live Formula 1 races, qualifying, and supporting events within the United States. This represents a major investment by Apple in live sports content, signaling a broader strategy to attract and retain subscribers.

Key Terms of the Agreement

The ten-year agreement, finalized in late 2024, includes several crucial components:

* Exclusivity: Apple TV+ will be the only platform in the U.S.to offer live Formula 1 coverage.

* Financial Commitment: The $700 million price tag underscores the growing value of sports broadcasting rights.

* Start Date: The deal takes effect with the 2025 Formula 1 season.

* Global Implications: While focused on the U.S. market, this deal could influence future F1 broadcasting rights negotiations globally.

* 24/7 F1 Show: Apple will continue to produce and stream the popular “Drive to Survive” docuseries, alongside a 24/7 series following select teams.

Impact on Formula 1 Viewership in the U.S.

Formula 1’s popularity in the United States has surged in recent years, largely attributed to the success of “Drive to Survive” on Netflix. This Apple deal is expected to further accelerate that growth.

* Increased Accessibility: Apple TV+ is available on a wide range of devices,potentially reaching a broader audience then customary cable television.

* Potential for Innovation: Apple’s technological capabilities could lead to innovative viewing experiences, such as interactive race data overlays and personalized viewing options.

* Subscriber Growth for Apple TV+: The deal is a key component of Apple’s strategy to bolster its streaming service subscriber base, competing with rivals like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

* Demographic Reach: Apple’s user base skews younger and more affluent, aligning with F1’s target demographic.

What this Means for Existing F1 Fans

For dedicated Formula 1 fans in the U.S., the transition to Apple TV+ means a new subscription cost. Currently, Apple TV+ is priced at $9.99/month. Bundling options with other Apple services may offer cost savings.

* Cord-Cutting Considerations: Fans who have cut the cord may find Apple TV+ a convenient option, while those reliant on traditional cable may need to adjust.

* Streaming Quality: Apple TV+ is known for its high-quality 4K HDR streaming, promising a visually immersive race experience.

* Potential for Regional Blackouts: While unlikely for Formula 1,it’s significant to be aware of potential regional restrictions on streaming content.

* Access to Archive Content: It remains to be seen how Apple will handle access to historical Formula 1 races and footage.

ESPN’s Role and Future Plans

ESPN broadcasted Formula 1 in the U.S. for nearly a decade, playing a pivotal role in the sport’s recent surge in popularity. their coverage will conclude at the end of the 2024 season.

* Focus on Other Motorsports: ESPN is expected to refocus its motorsports coverage on other series, such as NASCAR and IndyCar.

* Continued “Drive to Survive” Partnership: ESPN will continue to air reruns of “Drive to survive” for the foreseeable future.

* Lessons Learned: ESPN’s experience with F1 has provided valuable insights into the growing demand for international motorsports in the U.S. market.

Apple’s Broader Sports Strategy

The Formula 1 deal is not an isolated event. Apple is actively exploring opportunities to acquire rights to other major sporting events.

* MLB Partnership: Apple already has a partnership with Major League Baseball,streaming select games on Apple TV+.

* NFL Discussions: There have been reports of Apple engaging in discussions with the National Football league regarding potential streaming rights.

* Strategic Investment: Apple views live sports as a key driver of subscriber growth and engagement for its streaming service.

* Long-Term Vision: Apple’s sports strategy is part of a broader effort to transform Apple TV+ into a complete entertainment destination.

The Future of F1 Streaming

This deal signifies a broader trend in sports broadcasting: the shift towards streaming platforms.

* Increased Competition: The competition among streaming services for sports rights will