Apple has secured the broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States for the next five years, a deal reported to be worth approximately $750 million (£558 million) overall. This significant partnership marks Apple’s first foray into sports broadcasting of this scale, commencing in 2026, with annual payments around $150 million (£111.6 million). The arrangement will allow all Apple TV subscribers in America to access Formula 1 content as part of their standard monthly subscription.
This agreement will enable Apple TV customers to enjoy live coverage of every on-track session, along with additional content produced by F1’s in-house channel, F1 TV. Interestingly, Apple will not be producing its own commentary for these broadcasts initially. Instead, they are likely to source commentary from either F1 TV or the UK’s renowned Sky network, ensuring that the viewing experience remains top-notch for fans.
Moreover, the widely acclaimed documentary series “Drive to Survive,” available on rival streaming platform Netflix, remains unaffected by this new venture—a critical factor considering its significant influence on the sport’s popularity in the US.
The impetus behind this collaboration is further underscored by the success of the recent F1 film, featuring Brad Pitt, which has proven to be a substantial contributor to this deal’s fruition. This film has reportedly taken around $630 million (£470 million) at the box office, establishing itself as both the highest-grossing sports film and Pitt’s most lucrative project to date—a clear testament to the growing interest in Formula 1.
Previously, the rights in the US were held by the sports network ESPN, with a deal valued at about $80 million (£60 million) annually. Hence, Apple’s investment signifies a remarkable shift and a deeper commitment to creating a substantial presence in the sports broadcasting market.
A statement from Formula 1 emphasized that this partnership would serve to “amplify the sport across” all of Apple’s platforms, which include News, Maps, Music, Sports, and Fitness+. F1 chairman Stefano Domenicali expressed exhilaration over this partnership, indicating its potential to maximize growth opportunities within the US market through innovative content and distribution channels.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice-president of services, emphasized the company’s expectation to deliver an unparalleled, fan-first coverage experience that only Apple can provide. He acknowledged the exponential growth of Formula 1 in the US over recent years, reiterating that the partnership is not merely for a short-term commitment. Cue stated, “We didn’t get into this (just) for five years. We did it because we think it can be huge and we’re going to want to do this for many years after.”
When questioned about the possibility of similar broadcasting arrangements in other markets globally, Domenicali highlighted the importance of making careful decisions in the US market first. He stated, “If it works and there are opportunities elsewhere, why not?” This strategic approach suggests that both entities are poised for further growth and collaboration, potentially exploring new markets as they continue to cultivate their partnership in the realm of Formula 1.
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