By Evgenia Filimianova
Formula 1 said on Oct. 17 that Apple has secured exclusive rights to broadcast F1 races in the United States beginning in 2026 under a five-year deal valued at about $750 million.
“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,” Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.
Apple confirmed the news on social media, saying fans will be able to watch every Grand Prix race of the 2026 season live on Apple TV.
The deal follows the debut of “F1: The Movie,” an Apple Original Film, in cinemas and IMAX venues in June.
The movie, starring Brad Pitt, was developed over three years in close collaboration with Formula 1 teams and drivers. To date, it has grossed nearly $630 million globally, according to Formula 1, making it the highest-earning sports movie in history.
“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,” Domenicali said.
He added the partnership would help Formula 1 maximize its growth potential in the United States with the “right content and innovative distribution channels.”
Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, said the 2026 season would mark “a transformative new era” for the sport, featuring new teams, regulations, and cars.
Under the deal, Apple TV will stream all free practice, qualifying, sprint sessions, and Grand Prix races. Select events, including all free practice sessions, will be available for free on the Apple TV app. Formula 1’s own premium offering, F1 TV Pro, will remain accessible in the United States through Apple TV at no extra charge for subscribers.
Apple also plans to integrate Formula 1 coverage across its broader ecosystem, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+, aiming to extend the sport’s reach beyond traditional broadcast audiences, Formula 1 said.
A Formula 1 fan survey this year found that 47 percent of new U.S. fans, those following the sport for five years or less, are aged 18 to 24, and more than half are women.
Apple described F1 as “one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world,” reaching 52 million fans in the United States last year.
Additional production and product details, including new ways for fans to experience Formula 1 content across Apple’s services, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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