Apple has officially secured exclusive U.S. media rights for Formula 1, meaning that F1 Apple TV will become the central hub for streaming F1 content in America beginning in 2026. This landmark deal changes the way U.S. fans will experience the sport and sets up Apple to expand its footprint in live sports. Here’s the current, confirmed picture.
Exclusive Streaming Move in the U.S.
In a five-year agreement starting in 2026, Apple will replace ESPN as the sole U.S. platform for Formula 1 coverage. The new deal grants Apple streaming rights to all Grand Prix races, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and Sprint events. Certain segments—such as select races and all practice sessions—will also be made available for free in the Apple TV app to broaden accessibility.
Reportedly, Apple is paying $140 million annually for these rights—substantially more than ESPN’s prior annual payment. This move is seen as a bold step by Apple to anchor its streaming service with premium live sports content.
Impact on F1 TV and Legacy Platforms
With Apple now controlling U.S. broadcast rights, the future of F1’s proprietary streaming service (F1 TV) in America is uncertain.
Before this deal, F1 TV offered multiple subscription tiers—including F1 TV Pro, which allowed multi-view camera feeds, onboard views, and access to archives. It’s likely that many of F1 TV’s features will be absorbed into Apple’s platform, while redundancies may be phased out.
The back catalog, documentaries, driver cams, and race archives still hold value. Apple may retain or license that content within its ecosystem to attract and retain F1 fans.
What This Means for Fans in the U.S.
Access & Pricing
- Starting 2026, U.S. fans will need an Apple TV subscription (via Apple TV+) to watch live F1 races.
- The current cost of Apple TV+ is $12.99/month—though bundling options may evolve.
- Some limited content will remain free via the Apple TV app to maintain broader engagement.
Platform Integration
Apple will leverage its broader ecosystem to enhance the F1 experience:
- Apple Sports app, Apple News, and Maps may include real-time race updates, standings, and related content.
- Live Activities and widgets on iPhone lock screens may let users track races without needing to open the app.
User Experience & Features
Apple will aim to match or exceed the advanced features fans expect—multi-camera feeds, data overlays, onboard views, etc.—which were hallmarks of prior F1 TV services.
It’s expected that Apple will integrate F1 content more deeply with its device ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV), improving synchronization, notifications, and accessibility.
Timeline & Transition
| Year / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ESPN continues broadcasting F1 in the U.S. under existing contract |
| Mid-2025 | Negotiations concluded; Apple secured rights starting 2026 |
| 2026 | First full F1 season exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S. |
| Late 2025 | Apple gradually shifts F1 content offerings, adjusts platform features |
Because the deal only kicks in from the 2026 season, ESPN will still carry F1 through 2025. U.S. fans should watch for announcements from Apple and F1 over the months ahead about how to migrate subscriptions, access archives, and manage device settings.
Why Apple Made the Move
Capitalizing on “F1 The Movie” Success
Apple’s push into F1 broadcasting follows the impressive performance of its film F1, starring Brad Pitt. The movie grossed $629 million globally, making it Apple’s highest-earning theatrical release and the most successful auto-racing film ever. The success of the film underscored rising global interest in Formula 1—and likely bolstered confidence in investing in live rights.
Streaming Competition & Sports Content Push
Live sports have become a battleground in streaming wars. Apple already holds rights for Major League Soccer and engages with sports content on its platform. Adding F1 strengthens Apple’s lineup and may reduce user churn by anchoring a subscription with premium live content.
Apple outbid ESPN—or offers that ESPN was unwilling to match—in large part by seeing long-term strategic value in F1’s growing U.S. audience and global appeal.
Remaining Questions and Fan Concerns
- Will F1 TV vanish completely in the U.S.? It may either be absorbed into Apple’s system or continue in a reduced capacity.
- How will viewers in other regions fare? This deal only covers the U.S. Other global broadcasting partnerships remain unaffected.
- What about feature parity? Fans expect advanced viewing options (onboard cams, multi-view) already in F1 TV Pro. Apple must preserve or enhance those to win over diehards.
- Subscription costs and bundling: The $12.99 figure holds now, but pricing or bundling could shift in relation to F1 content.
The shift to F1 Apple TV marks a turning point in how Americans will consume Formula 1. The move underscores the shifting dynamics between tech platforms and live sports, and creates new opportunities for fans to connect with their favorite sport inside Apple’s ecosystem.
Stay tuned as launch details, subscription changes, and feature rollouts will follow—and feel free to drop your thoughts below or check back for updates.