OCTOBER 17, 2025

Apple to become exclusive US F1 broadcaster from 2026

Formula 1 has announced a landmark five-year partnership with Apple, making the tech giant the sport’s exclusive broadcast partner in the United States from the 2026 season.

The deal marks a major shift in F1’s media landscape and strengthens Apple’s growing investment in the sport following the success of F1: The Movie.

The partnership will see every Grand Prix, Sprint, qualifying, and practice session streamed live on Apple TV. In a move designed to broaden access, select races and all practice sessions will also be available for free through the Apple TV app. F1 TV Premium, the championship’s own subscription service, will be offered exclusively through Apple TV in the U.S., with subscribers receiving complimentary access as part of the package.

Beyond race coverage, Apple plans to integrate Formula 1 across its broader ecosystem — including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+ — to create what the companies describe as a “multi-platform, immersive experience” for fans.

The announcement follows the global success of F1: The Movie, an Apple Original Film that debuted in cinemas and IMAX in June 2025 and will arrive on Apple TV on December 12. The film, made in close collaboration with Formula 1 teams and drivers, has grossed nearly $630 million worldwide, making it the highest-earning sports movie of all time.

Apple and Formula 1 both emphasized the potential of the partnership to attract younger and more diverse audiences. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, 47% of new U.S. F1 fans — those following the sport for five years or less — are aged between 18 and 24, and more than half are female.

By combining F1’s global sporting platform with Apple’s technological reach, the two brands aim to redefine how fans engage with motorsport in the digital era. Additional details, including new production features and how the sport will be presented across Apple’s products and services, are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

The agreement represents one of Formula 1’s most significant media deals to date, positioning Apple at the heart of the sport’s U.S. expansion strategy as F1 continues its rapid growth in North America.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 said, “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels. We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1® The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world. We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked. I want to thank Tim Cook, Eddy Cue, and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.“

Eddy Cue, Apple Senior Vice President of Services said, “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet. 2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.”