Streaming Giant Lands Exclusive Formula 1 Rights
In a major move for sports broadcasting, Apple has reportedly secured exclusive U.S. media rights for Formula 1 racing beginning in 2026, according to sources familiar with the agreement. The five-year deal, valued at approximately $140 million annually according to reports, will make Apple TV the sole broadcaster for all F1 events in the United States, marking a significant shift in how American fans will access the sport.
Comprehensive Coverage Package
The agreement reportedly includes what Apple describes as “comprehensive” coverage of the entire F1 season. Sources indicate subscribers to the Apple TV service will receive access to all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint races, and Grand Prix events through the Apple TV app. The coverage will incorporate commentary teams from both F1 TV and Sky broadcast announcers, maintaining the familiar voices that fans have come to expect from current broadcasts.
Analysts suggest this move represents a significant expansion in Apple’s sports streaming media strategy. The company has been actively pursuing premium sports content as competition in the streaming landscape intensifies, with recent industry developments showing similar patterns across the technology sector.
Enhanced Fan Experience and Integration
Beyond the core racing coverage, Apple plans to integrate F1 content across its ecosystem of services, according to the announcement. Select races and all practice sessions will be available for free within the Apple TV app throughout the season, potentially expanding the sport’s audience reach.
The report states that Apple News, Apple Music, Fitness+, and Apple Sports will all feature F1-related content, including live updates, standings, and other information during race weekends. This cross-platform approach represents what analysts suggest is a growing trend in market trends toward integrated entertainment experiences.
F1 TV Transition and Subscription Value
For existing F1 TV subscribers, significant changes are anticipated. According to the announcement, F1 TV will remain accessible to U.S. fans but will no longer function as a standalone service. Instead, it will require an Apple TV subscription, though subscribers will receive F1 TV Premium—which currently retails for $16.99 monthly—as part of the standard $12.99 Apple TV fee.
The consolidation of services reflects broader related innovations in content distribution. However, it remains unclear what will happen to F1 TV’s lower-tier subscription options under the new arrangement.
Strategic Timing for F1’s U.S. Growth
The partnership arrives during a period of substantial growth for Formula One in the American market. The sport has seen rising popularity, bolstered by Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” documentary series and the addition of multiple U.S. races, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. The United States currently hosts more Grands Prix annually than any other country.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali stated in the official announcement that the partnership “will ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels.”
Broader Apple Media Strategy
This F1 agreement extends Apple’s existing relationship with the motorsport, which includes the global streaming debut of “F1 The Movie” on December 12, 2025. The film, which became the highest-grossing sports movie of all time, will stream exclusively on Apple’s service.
The timing coincides with Apple’s broader recent technology initiatives, including the company’s recent rebranding of its streaming service from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV. The tech giant has also announced new streaming bundles with Peacock as part of its expanding media portfolio.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, noted in the announcement that the company is “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.”
The exclusive rights begin with the 2026 F1 season, which analysts suggest will be particularly significant due to anticipated regulatory changes, new car designs, and the addition of an 11th team backed by Cadillac.
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