F1 and Apple Explore 2026 US Media Rights Deal

F1 Viewership Soars in US: British Grand Prix Sees Record Numbers

Silverstone, UK – Formula 1’s popularity in the United States continues its dramatic ascent, with viewership for the 2025 british Grand Prix at Silverstone jumping 19% compared to last year’s event. The surge in interest underscores a broader trend of growing engagement with the sport across the US television market.

ESPN2’s broadcast of the race captivated an average of 1.5 million viewers, peaking at 1.8 million during the 11:30-11:45 am Eastern Time window. This represents a notable increase from the 1.3 million average viewers who tuned in for the 2024 British Grand Prix.

The upward trajectory isn’t limited to Silverstone. Thru the first 12 races of the 2025 season, only the Miami Grand Prix hasn’t demonstrated year-over-year viewership growth when compared to its 2024 counterpart. The Monaco Grand Prix, a historic fixture on the F1 calendar, achieved the third-highest live viewership for a race in US television history this year.

Currently, the average viewership across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC for the 2025 F1 season stands at a robust 1.3 million.

Why the Growth? A Look at F1’s US Renaissance

this sustained growth in US viewership isn’t accidental. Several factors are contributing to Formula 1’s burgeoning popularity in the country. The “Drive to survive” docuseries on Netflix has been widely credited with introducing a new, younger audience to the sport, showcasing the personalities and drama beyond the racing itself.

Strategic expansion of the race calendar to include a US-based Grand Prix in Miami, and the continued presence of American drivers like Logan Sargeant, further fuels domestic interest. The increased investment in digital and social media engagement by both Formula 1 and its teams also plays a crucial role in reaching a wider audience.

Looking ahead,the sustained growth suggests that formula 1 is solidifying its position as a major player in the US sports landscape. The sport’s blend of cutting-edge technology, high-speed action, and compelling narratives continues to resonate with viewers, promising continued viewership gains in the years to come.

What strategic advantages could Apple gain by acquiring exclusive F1 broadcasting rights in the US?

The Shifting landscape of F1 Broadcasting in the US

Formula 1’s popularity in the United States has surged in recent years, fueled by the “Drive to survive” Netflix series and increased race attendance. This growth has dramatically altered the value of US media rights, leading to a competitive bidding war as existing contracts approach their expiration. Currently, ESPN holds the exclusive broadcast rights for Formula 1 in the US, a deal running through the 2025 season.However, Apple is now heavily involved in discussions for the rights beginning in 2026, potentially marking a meaningful shift in how American fans consume F1 content. This potential deal represents a major opportunity for both F1 and Apple,but also introduces uncertainties for existing broadcast partners and viewers.

Why Apple is Interested in Formula 1

Apple’s foray into sports broadcasting isn’t new. the company has already secured rights to Major League Baseball (MLB) for “Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV+. Their interest in F1 aligns with a broader strategy to leverage live sports as a key driver for Apple TV+ subscriptions and to enhance the overall apple ecosystem.

Here’s a breakdown of Apple’s potential motivations:

Subscriber Growth: Live sports are a powerful acquisition tool for streaming services. F1’s growing US fanbase offers a substantial pool of potential Apple TV+ subscribers.

Apple TV+ Promotion: Exclusive F1 coverage would significantly raise the profile of Apple TV+, attracting new users and increasing engagement.

Technological Integration: Apple can integrate F1 broadcasts with its existing technologies, offering innovative viewing experiences like augmented reality overlays, real-time data analytics, and personalized content feeds.

Global Expansion: F1’s global reach complements Apple’s international ambitions.

The current Media Rights Situation & ESPN’s position

ESPN’s current deal with Formula 1,signed in 2019,has been a success for both parties. ESPN has benefited from the increased viewership driven by “drive to Survive,” and F1 has gained wider exposure in the US market. However,the escalating value of the rights means ESPN faces a difficult decision: significantly increase their bid to retain exclusivity,or potentially lose the rights to Apple or another competitor.

key considerations for ESPN include:

Cost vs. Return: The cost of renewing the F1 rights is expected to be substantially higher than the current deal. ESPN needs to determine if the potential viewership and advertising revenue justify the investment.

Competition from Streaming Services: The rise of streaming services like Apple TV+,Netflix,and Amazon Prime Video has disrupted the customary sports broadcasting model,putting pressure on ESPN to adapt.

Bundling Opportunities: ESPN+ could potentially be bundled with F1 coverage, offering a more attractive value proposition to subscribers.

Potential Deal Structures: Apple & F1

Several deal structures are being considered for a potential Apple-F1 partnership.These range from a fully exclusive deal to a more hybrid approach.

Exclusive Rights: Apple secures all US broadcast rights, making F1 content exclusively available on Apple TV+. This would likely command the highest price tag.

Partial Rights: Apple acquires select rights, such as streaming certain races or offering exclusive behind-the-scenes content, while ESPN retains the rights to broadcast the majority of races on traditional television.

Hybrid Model: A combination of free-to-air and subscription-based access. Certain races could be available for free on apple TV+, while premium content and live race coverage require an Apple TV+ subscription.

Data & Technology Partnership: Beyond broadcasting, Apple could collaborate with F1 on data analytics, race strategy tools, and fan engagement platforms.

Impact on F1 Fans: What could Change?

A move to Apple TV+ could significantly alter the viewing experience for F1 fans in the US.

Here’s what fans might expect:

Subscription Costs: Fans may need to subscribe to Apple TV+ to access live race coverage, adding another monthly expense.

* Accessibility: Access to races might potentially be limited to devices compatible with Apple TV+, potentially excluding viewers who prefer