ESPN out, Apple in: Formula 1 US broadcast rights move to Apple TV for 5 years starting 2026 | VIDEO

Formula 1 announced a landmark five-year partnership with Apple on Friday, making Apple the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for the global motorsports series starting from the 2026 season. This deal follows ESPN’s eight-year stint as the U.S. rights holder, which began in 2018 and ends this year. Apple’s entry comes after the massive success of “F1 The Movie,” an Apple Original Film released internationally in June, which grossed nearly $630 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing sports movie ever.

Apple TV will provide comprehensive F1 coverage, including all practice sessions, qualifying, Sprint events, and Grand Prix races. Selected races and practice sessions will also be accessible for free on the Apple TV app, while F1 TV Premium content will continue to be available in the U.S. as part of an Apple TV subscription. Beyond streaming, Apple will amplify Formula 1 content across its ecosystem, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, expressed excitement about delivering Formula 1 to a broader audience through Apple TV’s reach across over a billion devices worldwide. He highlighted the opportunity to grow F1’s U.S. fanbase, especially among younger and diverse viewers. F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the partnership, emphasising a shared vision to deepen F1’s presence in the U.S. through engaging, year-round content and innovative distribution.

The deal also aligns with Apple’s expanding involvement in sports media, complementing its agreements with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Financial details were undisclosed, but industry reports estimate the deal’s value at approximately $140 million annually, totalling around $700 million over five years.

The transition to Apple as the U.S. broadcaster is seen as a strategic move to capitalise on Formula 1's growing popularity in America, especially with races recently held in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, Texas. ESPN expressed pride in its work with F1 and looks forward to a strong finish in its final season this year.

This partnership signals a new era for Formula 1 broadcasting in the U.S., leveraging Apple’s cross-platform capabilities to deliver an enhanced, immersive fan experience and attract a new generation to the sport.

With inputs from AP