BREAKING: F1 signs blockbuster deal with Apple to become exclusive TV Broadcaster… read more
F1 signs blockbuster deal with Apple to become exclusive TV broadcaster
Formula 1 has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Apple, confirming the tech giant as its exclusive television broadcaster in the United States beginning in 2026. The multi-year deal, reportedly running for five years, will see Apple replace ESPN, marking the end of the network’s long-standing coverage of the sport since 2018.
Announced ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, the collaboration represents one of the most significant media shifts in F1’s modern history. Under the agreement, Apple TV will hold full broadcasting rights for all race weekends — including practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races, and grands prix.
Notably, fans will also be able to watch selected races and all practice sessions for free on the Apple TV app, a move designed to make the sport more accessible and attract new audiences across the U.S.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the partnership as a pivotal step in Formula 1’s continued growth, particularly in the North American market. “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. through the right content and innovative distribution channels,” Domenicali said.
He highlighted that the relationship between F1 and Apple has been years in the making, citing their collaboration on F1 The Movie — an Apple Original Film released in June this year. “We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world,” Domenicali added. “We share a vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and attract new audiences through live broadcasts, engaging storytelling, and a year-round content strategy to keep fans connected.”
The film, starring Brad Pitt as a fictional veteran driver making a comeback, has grossed nearly $630 million globally. Its production was made possible by Apple’s significant investment and deep involvement within the F1 paddock — an experience that appears to have laid the foundation for this new, far-reaching partnership.
The deal extends beyond live race broadcasts. Formula 1 content will be integrated across Apple’s platforms — including Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Maps, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. This all-encompassing strategy aims to bring fans closer to the sport and ensure its presence resonates well beyond the racetrack.
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, shared his excitement about the expansion, saying: “We’re thrilled to deepen 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. 2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 — from new teams to new regulations and cars driven by the best in the world — and we look forward to delivering premium, innovative, fan-first coverage in a way that only Apple can.”
According to Formula 1’s 2025 Global Fan Survey, nearly half of its new U.S. fans (47%) are aged between 18 and 24, and more than half are female. These demographics underline why Apple’s broad consumer reach and strong appeal to younger audiences make it the perfect platform for F1’s continued expansion in the United States.
F1’s statement emphasized Apple’s “ability to reach a diverse range of consumers,” calling it a crucial factor in choosing them as the sport’s new U.S. broadcast home. The organization believes Apple’s vast ecosystem of digital services can help it capture the enthusiasm of a new generation of fans and build long-term engagement.
The departing broadcaster, ESPN, issued a gracious statement following the announcement. “We’re 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,” the network said. “We wish F1 well in the future.”
Since 2018, ESPN’s coverage — supported by Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series — has helped transform Formula 1 from a niche motorsport into one of the fastest-growing sporting properties in the U.S. However, Apple’s arrival signals a new digital-first era for F1, one that promises to combine the company’s technological innovation with the sport’s thrilling spectacle.
With the 2026 season also ushering in sweeping regulation changes, including new hybrid engines and several team line-up shifts, F1’s partnership with Apple is set to coincide with one of the most transformative moments in the sport’s history — both on and off the track.
About The Author
