F1 USA broadcast rights 2026: Apple TV Secures Exclusive Formula 1 USA Broadcast Rights in Landmark Five-Year Deal
Apple TV is making a bold move into the sports media landscape with Friday’s announcement of an exclusive five-year deal to broadcast all Formula 1 races in the United States on Apple TV, beginning in 2026. The agreement, reportedly valued at around $140 million per year, signifies a major shift in how American fans will watch their favorite motorsport.
F1 USA broadcast rights 2026
For the first time, every Formula 1 race, along with all practice, qualifying, and sprint sessions, will be streamed exclusively to Apple TV subscribers. Some races and all practice sessions will even be available free within the Apple TV app—giving casual fans an accessible entry point throughout the season.
This deal closes the chapter on F1’s partnership with ESPN, which had carried U.S. broadcast rights since 2018. ESPN opted to step aside this year to pursue other media opportunities, making way for Apple TV ambitious entry.
An Evolving Partnership
Formula 1’s chief media rights and broadcasting officer, Ian Holmes, expressed optimism that Apple will help the sport reach a broader and more diverse audience in the U.S. “What excites us most about this deal is it helps us address more people consuming content in more ways,” Holmes shared during a call with reporters.
Apple’s senior vice president for services, Eddy Cue, highlighted the company’s ability to leverage its marketing reach and technology across services like Apple News, Apple Maps, and Apple’s new Sports app. Fans can expect extensive race updates, real-time leaderboards, and in-depth driver and constructor standings—all tightly integrated across Apple’s ecosystem.
F1 TV Premium Bundled for Apple TV Subscribers
As part of this new deal, F1’s own streaming service, F1 TV Premium, will only be available through an Apple TV subscription for U.S. customers—at no extra charge for those who subscribe. This consolidation means fans can manage and access all their F1 coverage in one place.
Technology and Storytelling Drive Growth
The collaboration stems from the successful relationship Apple and F1 built during the production and exclusive release of “F1: The Movie” this summer. That project introduced new camera technology and highlighted opportunities for augmented and virtual reality enhancements that may soon change how fans experience races.
With Formula 1’s rising popularity stateside, this media rights deal represents a “significant milestone” in the sport’s evolution. As Apple looks to grow its presence in live sports, fans and industry experts alike will be watching how this partnership reshapes motorsport media in the U.S.
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