Formula 1’s Next Lap — Streaming Soon on Apple TV
Formula 1 finds a new digital home. Starting in 2026, Apple TV+ becomes the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for all F1 events, replacing ESPN after an eight-year run. The deal signals Apple’s next major push into live sports—after Major League Soccer (MLS) and Major League Baseball (MLB)—and strengthens its growing portfolio of premium global entertainment.
The five-year deal, reportedly worth $750 million, gives Apple the rights to stream every race weekend, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprints, and Grand Prix events. A few of these events stream free on Apple TV, while full coverage and access to F1 TV Premium require an Apple TV subscription.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Apple’s Big Overtake
The partnership arrives after the global success of Apple Studios’ “F1: The Movie”, co-produced with Formula 1 and starring Brad Pitt. The collaboration laid the foundation for what both sides call a “shared vision” to expand the sport’s reach in the U.S . The U.S. media market is long dominated by football, basketball, and baseball; F1 only recently boosted its profile in America.
F1 President Stefano Domenicali celebrated the agreement, saying:
“We and Apple are no strangers, having worked together on F1: The Movie. We share the vision to bring this amazing sport to fans in the U.S. and attract new ones through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach.”
Apple’s five-year deal starts after ESPN’s contract ends in late 2025. The current ESPN statement closed the chapter gracefully:
“We’re proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together and wish them well in the future.”
Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, confirmed the excitement from Cupertino:
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet.”
The Cost of Going Fast
According to reports, Apple pays about $160 million per year for the exclusive streaming rights. The agreement is one of Apple’s largest sports investments yet. It follows similar high-value contracts for MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball.
The company plans to integrate Formula 1 content across its ecosystem:
- Apple News will feature race highlights and driver insights.
- Apple Maps adds track overlays and race-day routes.
- Apple Music builds curated F1 playlists inspired by each circuit.
- Apple Fitness+ introduces “Drive Sessions,” themed around race-week intensity.
The Apple Sports app also joins the action, offering real-time results, live leaderboards, and qualifying updates, all accessible through a dedicated iPhone Home Screen widget.
Apple expects the experiences to strengthen its sports identity. With MLB, MLS, and now F1, Apple TV+ turns from a film-and-series hub into a multi-sport destination.
Why It Matters for Formula 1 Fans
This deal is noteworthy for Formula 1’s digital expansion, especially in the United States. The sport’s audience exploded since the debut of Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
F1 executives see Apple’s platform as a springboard for a younger, tech-driven audience. Live data, multi-angle views, and AR integrations redefine how fans experience a Grand Prix. Apple’s production resources promise immersive visuals, advanced commentary, and interactivity unseen on legacy broadcasters.
For U.S. fans, this translates to instant access to every lap — on TV, phone, or tablet — without relying on cable packages or third-party subscriptions.
Yet the cost of streaming innovation might rise. Apple already raised subscription fees earlier this year, and insiders predict another increase once the F1 coverage begins. With sports streaming now a competitive field, Apple balances user experience with profitability.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Apple’s Formula 1 partnership positions it as a serious rival to Amazon Prime and Disney in live sports streaming. Expect the 2026 F1 season to debut with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, AR viewing modes, and Apple Vision Pro integration.
MY FORECAST: Apple’s deal notes how entertainment leaders compete for attention beyond scripted content. For Formula 1, the partnership means a future — turbocharged — faster, louder, and more connected than ever. The real race is on the track, The enhanced race is on the screen.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech