Formula 1 races will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV next year
Formula 1 races will come exclusively to Apple TV next year as part of a five-year deal announced on Friday between the tech giant and Formula 1.
Apple TV subscribers in the US will have access to practice, qualifying, Sprint and Grands Prix sessions, as well as F1 TV Premium, the Formula 1 subscription service.
Some races and practice sessions may be available to view for free on the Apple TV app. Apple said the Apple Sports app will display live updates for each Grand Prix, including real-time leaderboards.
“2026 represents a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to bringing outstanding, innovative, fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, said in a statement.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said the partnership will help maximize the growth potential of Formula 1 in the United States. His company worked with Apple on “F1 The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which was released last summer. It was Apple’s first box office success.
“We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the US and attract new fans through live streaming, engaging content and a year-round approach to keep them hooked,” Domenicali said in a statement.
Apple paid roughly $140 million a year for the rights to show the races, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. The races have been broadcast on ESPN since 2018 in a deal that expires this year. ESPN paid approximately $85 million annually on average, the source said. Financial terms were first Reported by CNBC.
Apple and Formula 1 did not immediately respond to a request for comment and ESPN declined to comment on the financial terms of the deal.
“We are extremely proud of what we and Formula 1 have accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season,” ESPN said in a statement. “We wish Formula 1 success in the future.”
Streaming services are increasingly streaming sports on their platforms to attract more viewers who gather for major events. In addition to F1, Apple has deals to stream matches from Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer.
Apple also recently announced a deal to integrate Apple TV with NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service.