Apple Wins Exclusive Broadcast Rights for Formula 1 in $700 Million Deal

Apple Inc. has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula 1 (F1) races, commencing with the 2026 season. The five-year agreement, valued at approximately $140 million annually, totals around $700 million and marks a significant shift in sports media distribution.

Under this partnership, Apple TV will provide comprehensive coverage of all F1 events, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and Grands Prix. Select races and all practice sessions will be available for free through the Apple TV app, while F1 TV Premium will continue to be accessible in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription at no additional cost.

Eddy Cue, Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:

"We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet."

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the strategic alignment between the two organizations:

"This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels."

This agreement builds upon the success of "F1 The Movie," an Apple Original Film released in June 2025, which grossed nearly $630 million globally, making it the highest-grossing sports movie to date. The film is set to stream on Apple TV starting December 12, 2025.

Apple plans to integrate F1 content across its ecosystem, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+, aiming to enhance the fan experience and attract new audiences. The Apple Sports app will feature live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race for each Grand Prix across the season, with real-time leaderboards, season driver and constructor standings, Live Activities to follow on the Lock Screen, and a designated widget for the iPhone Home Screen.

The partnership reflects the growing trend of major sports leagues collaborating with tech companies to reach wider audiences through innovative digital distribution. Formula 1's U.S. fanbase reached 52 million in 2024, with 47% of new fans aged 18-24 and over half being female, indicating a younger and more diverse audience.

This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in sports broadcasting, reflecting broader trends in media consumption and the increasing convergence of technology and sports entertainment.