Apple strike multi-million dollar deal with F1

Apple has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for F1 in the United States from 2026 onwards, for its streaming service Apple TV, in a five-year deal believed to be worth $150 million per year.

The technology company will assume the rights from the current holder, ESPN, which has held them since 2017.

Additionally, "Apple will amplify the sport across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+," F1 has stated.

Earlier this year, Apple released the F1: The Movie, which grossed nearly $630 million globally, which has made it the most successful sports film ever.

F1 has confirmed that Apple TV will cover all practice, qualifying, sprint sessions, and grands prix, with "select races, and all practice sessions throughout the season will also be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.

"F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe."

Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO 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."

Meanwhile, Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services at Apple, added: "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."