Formula 1 has reached a deal with a US TV giant-Photo: Race Pictures

Formula 1 strikes multimillion-dollar deal with US streaming giant

15:04, 17 Oct

Updated: 15:51, 17 Oct

bySamson Ero

Formula 1 has announced that it has signed a new broadcast deal with US streaming giant Apple TV.

Starting from the 2026 season, Apple TV will take over as the sole broadcaster of Formula 1 in the United States. The deal also brings an end to current broadcaster ESPN’s coverage of the sport in the US.

Formula 1’s popularity in the United States is well documented, and in recent years, interest in the sport has increased steadily. This growth has been fuelled by several factors, including Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and, more recently, the Apple Original film F1: The Movie, which has grossed over $630 million globally to date.

Apple TV will broadcast F1 Photo: Race Pictures

This new broadcast agreement will see Apple TV host all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grand Prix. 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.

Currently, Formula 1 hosts three races on US soil and will also welcome another American entrant – Cadillac to the grid for the 2026 season.

The 2025 campaign will also feature two more visits to the US, with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas and, later in the season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Formula 1 CEO reacts to new Apple deal

Stefano Domenicali reacted to the new partnership between Formula 1 and Apple TV. sharing his thoughts via an official press statement, the Formula 1 CEO stated:

“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.”

The 60-year-old concluded by expressing gratitude to the executive at Apple for the landmark deal.

“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.“

Apple's senior vice president of service reacts to F1 deal

Apple’s senior vice president of service, Eddy Cue, also reacted following the announcement of the partnership with Formula 1. The 60-year-old highlighted how the team at Apple is thrilled to expand its existing relationship with F1.

“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.”

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