Apple has signed a major $750 million deal with Formula 1 to make Apple TV+ the exclusive streaming platform for all F1 races in the United States starting in 2026. The five-year agreement ends ESPN’s run as the main U.S. broadcaster, which began in 2018.
The deal means Apple TV+ will stream every F1 race weekend, including all Grands Prix, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and sprint races. Apple TV+ subscribers will also get free access to F1 TV Premium, which offers extra viewing options such as onboard driver cameras, multi-angle coverage, and live car data.
An Apple spokesperson said the partnership aims to “redefine how fans experience Formula 1,” using Apple’s technology to make viewing more interactive and engaging.
Apple plans to connect F1 content with its other services. Viewers will see live stats in the Apple Sports app, race circuit maps in Apple Maps, and special playlists in Apple Music inspired by race-day energy.
Several F1 team representatives have praised the move. Gene Haas, owner of Haas F1 Team, said the deal could “bring the sport closer to younger and tech-focused audiences.” A spokesperson for Cadillac F1, which will join the grid in 2026, called it “a major step toward growing the sport’s fanbase in America.”
However, some fans are unhappy that F1 will no longer air on traditional TV. Critics say the exclusive streaming deal could make it harder for casual viewers to watch races without a subscription. Others warned that the shift might reduce total viewership, similar to what happened with other sports that moved to streaming-only platforms.
Interest in Formula 1 has grown rapidly in the U.S., helped by Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and sold-out events in cities like Miami and Las Vegas. With this deal, Apple hopes to use its global audience and technology to attract even more fans to the sport.
Apple will pay about $150 million per year under the agreement, showing how valuable live sports have become in the streaming industry.
As Formula 1 finishes its 2025 season, attention is already turning to 2026—when Apple officially takes the wheel of U.S. F1 broadcasting.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
