Key Highlights of the Apple-F1 Deal
- Exclusive New Home: Apple TV+ has secured a five-year deal for the exclusive U.S. media rights to all Formula 1 races, starting with the 2026 season.
- Massive Investment: The deal is reportedly worth around $140 million per year, a significant increase from the approximately $85 million per year ESPN was paying.
- All-Inclusive Access: All F1 sessions—including practices, qualifying, Sprint events, and Grand Prix races—will be included in the standard Apple TV+ subscription ($12.99/month) at no extra cost.
- End of an Era: This agreement marks the end of Formula 1’s run on ESPN in the United States after the 2025 season.
F1 Finds a New Home in Landmark Apple TV+ Deal
In a seismic shift for motorsport broadcasting, Apple and Formula 1 have officially announced a five-year media rights agreement that will make Apple TV+ the exclusive home for F1 in the United States, beginning in 2026. This landmark deal signals Apple’s deepening commitment to live sports and represents a major evolution in how American fans will consume the rapidly growing racing series.
The Financials Behind the Big Move
The partnership comes with a hefty price tag, as sources report Apple is paying approximately $140 million annually for the rights. This figure marks a substantial increase over the previous deal held by Disney’s ESPN, which was valued at around $85 million per year. The increased investment underscores F1’s surging popularity in the U.S. market.
In a statement, representatives for ESPN acknowledged the conclusion of their partnership, saying the network is “incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.”
A New Viewing Experience for Fans
This new arrangement promises a comprehensive and ad-free viewing experience for subscribers. Here’s what fans can expect:
All-in-One Coverage
Unlike Apple’s model with Major League Soccer, which requires an additional MLS Season Pass, all Formula 1 content will be bundled directly into the existing $12.99 per month Apple TV+ subscription. This includes full coverage of every race weekend, from practice and qualifying sessions to the main Grand Prix. Furthermore, the companies announced that certain races and all practice sessions will be available to watch for free within the Apple TV app.
The Future of F1 TV
For dedicated fans, F1’s own streaming service, F1 TV Premium, will still be available but in a new, integrated format. U.S. subscribers will need an Apple TV+ subscription, and the F1 TV content will be included as part of that package rather than as a separate purchase. Commentary will be provided by the familiar voices from the F1 TV and Sky broadcast teams.
Apple’s Vision for Live Sports
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, emphasized the company’s desire to innovate rather than replicate traditional sports broadcasting. “We don’t have to do sports the way that they are,” Cue stated. “Our view around it is, if we can do something unique, then we’ll do it.”
This philosophy points toward a future where Apple controls the end-to-end user experience, a strategy already in motion with its MLS coverage. The deal also builds upon the existing relationship between Apple and F1, which saw success with the Brad Pitt-led “F1: The Movie.”
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s President and CEO, celebrated the agreement, calling it “an incredibly exciting partnership” that will “ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S.”