Apple TV is set to become the exclusive home for Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026, a pivotal five-year, multi-million dollar agreement that promises to transform how American fans experience the sport. This landmark deal, following the massive success of ‘F1: The Movie,’ ushers in a new era of immersive coverage and raises intriguing questions about the beloved Netflix documentary series, ‘Drive to Survive.’
The roar of the engines in Formula 1 is set to echo across a new digital landscape in the United States. In a monumental move for both the sport and the technology giant, Apple has clinched a five-year exclusive deal to broadcast all F1 content in the US, commencing in 2026. This partnership signals a significant pivot for American motorsports fans, promising a deeply integrated and innovative viewing experience.
Unpacking the Landmark Five-Year Agreement
From 2026 through 2030, Apple TV will serve as the exclusive hub for all Formula 1 sessions in the United States. This comprehensive coverage will include every practice, qualifying, sprint event, and the highly anticipated Grands Prix. The deal marks the conclusion of ESPN’s eight-year association with F1, underscoring a new era for broadcast rights.
While specific financial terms were not officially disclosed, reports indicate that Apple will invest a substantial sum, with figures suggesting over $140 million USD per year, culminating in an estimated $750 million over the five-year duration of the agreement. This represents a significant increase compared to ESPN’s previous $90 million USD annual deal.
Accessibility is a key component of this new partnership. Select races and all practice sessions will be available to stream free through the Apple TV app. Additionally, existing subscribers to F1 TV Premium will continue to access their content seamlessly via Apple TV, with no extra cost, ensuring continuity for dedicated enthusiasts.
The Prequel to Partnership: How “F1: The Movie” Paved the Way
This exclusive broadcasting deal isn’t Apple‘s first foray into the high-octane world of Formula 1. The groundwork for this partnership was laid by the highly successful feature film, “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt. The movie, which premiered in cinemas earlier this year, became a global box office sensation, raking in nearly $630 million worldwide, earning it the title of the highest-grossing sports film of all time, as reported by Variety.
The film’s immense popularity not only expanded F1‘s audience but also fostered a successful working relationship between Apple and Formula 1 during its production. This collaboration evidently solidified a shared vision, setting the stage for the broader streaming rights agreement. Fans can look forward to streaming “F1: The Movie” globally on Apple TV starting December 12, 2025.
A Shared Vision: Innovation and Fan Growth
For both parties, the partnership represents more than just a broadcast agreement; it’s a strategic alignment of two global giants committed to innovation and entertainment. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, described it as a pivotal moment for the sport. “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,” Domenicali stated, highlighting the companies’ shared history in producing the successful film.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, expressed the personal significance of the deal, recalling his childhood fascination with F1. He also emphasized how F1‘s blend of cutting-edge technology, elite athleticism, and international scope perfectly aligns with Apple’s core philosophy, particularly its relentless pursuit of performance and integration of human ingenuity with technological advancements.
One of Apple’s most compelling assets in this deal is its wide-reaching ecosystem. The company plans to integrate F1 content across its broader suite of services, including Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Maps, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. This multi-platform approach aims to create a comprehensive, “year-round fan experience,” moving beyond traditional sports broadcasting.
The Evolving Face of American F1 Fandom
The deal underscores Formula 1’s burgeoning popularity in the United States, a market now featuring three highly anticipated races on the calendar. Data from the 2025 global F1 fan survey reveals a rapidly expanding and diversifying audience:
- Almost half of new American fans, those who have followed the sport for five years or less, are between 18 and 24 years old.
- Over 50 percent of these new fans are female, indicating a significant shift in demographic engagement.
This growth validates F1’s strategic focus on the US market and Apple’s belief in the sport’s untapped potential for further expansion.
The “Drive to Survive” Dynamic: What About Netflix?
For many Americans, Netflix’s documentary series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” was their initial introduction to Formula 1 when it debuted in 2019. The show played a crucial role in expanding the sport’s fanbase in the US, laying the groundwork for its current surge in popularity.
When F1 sought a new streaming partner, they engaged in serious discussions with both Netflix and Apple TV. According to Ian Holmes, F1’s director of media rights and content creation, Netflix‘s proposals, which explored splitting rights or creating content packages, didn’t align with F1‘s preference for a single partner for all content. Holmes mentioned to Variety that “if we can have a good contender that wants everything, it might be better.”
Despite Apple securing the exclusive live rights, the relationship between F1 and Netflix remains strong. Holmes confirmed that Apple views “Drive to Survive” as a beneficial component for fan acquisition. As Eddy Cue reportedly stated, “It’s great, I love ‘Drive to Survive.’ That brings in fans, we benefit. The more that we do, they benefit.” This perspective highlights a symbiotic relationship where “Drive to Survive” can continue to attract new viewers, who may then transition to Apple TV for live race coverage.
A Fan-First Future with Apple
Looking ahead, Apple‘s approach promises to bring fans closer to the sport than ever before. Eddy Cue emphasized that Apple will deliver “premium and innovative fan-first coverage in a way that only Apple can.” This includes not only seamless live streaming but also potentially new interactive features and deeper integration across Apple devices.
The partnership, announced during the United States Grand Prix weekend, signals Apple‘s biggest step yet into global sports streaming, firmly cementing Formula 1 as a premier offering on Apple TV. For the devoted fan and the newly initiated alike, 2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 in the US.
