Image via Formula 1/X
Formula 1’s American fans will soon need an Apple subscription to watch the races. The sport announced on Friday that Apple TV has signed an exclusive five-year broadcast deal to air Formula 1 in the United States beginning in 2026.
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The agreement is reportedly worth $160 million per year, signaling a massive investment by Apple into live sports streaming. It also marks the end of F1’s long-running partnership with ESPN, which has broadcast the championship in the U.S. since 2018 using Sky Sports F1’s production feed.
In a statement, ESPN said, “We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.”
The move deepens Apple’s growing relationship with the sport. The tech giant recently co-produced the feature film “F1”, starring Brad Pitt, in collaboration with Formula 1 and its teams — a project that strengthened ties between Apple and F1 leadership.
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F1 President Stefano Domenicali said the deal represents “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.”
Apple has not yet confirmed whether its coverage will use Sky Sports F1’s commentary or the official F1 TV feed, but both options are reportedly being considered.
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The timing of the announcement comes as Formula 1 returns to the U.S. for the Austin Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, where the title fight between Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen continues to intensify.
Apple’s first season as F1’s American broadcast partner will coincide with the debut of Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team, marking another milestone for U.S. involvement in the global championship.
“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,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services.
The deal positions Apple alongside major streaming competitors like Amazon and Netflix, both of which have invested heavily in sports content — but Apple’s F1 partnership may be its most ambitious play yet.
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