Streaming Giant Takes Over F1 Broadcast Rights
In a landmark move that signals Formula One‘s strategic shift toward digital platforms, Apple TV has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights beginning with the 2026 season, according to reports confirmed during the 2025 U.S. Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Texas. The five-year agreement represents a significant departure from F1’s traditional television partnerships and follows months of speculation about the sport’s American media future.
Sources indicate the deal came together after ESPN’s exclusive negotiation window expired early in 2025, allowing other potential broadcasters including Netflix to enter discussions. While ESPN reportedly remained in contention with an offer around $90 million annually, Apple’s bid of $120-150 million per year ultimately secured the rights, according to anonymous sources speaking to The Athletic.
Comprehensive Media Package Beyond Broadcasting
The partnership extends far beyond simple race coverage, with Formula One stating that Apple plans to “amplify the sport across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+.” This integrated approach across Apple Inc.‘s ecosystem of services was apparently a key factor in F1’s decision to make the switch from traditional broadcasting.
F1 TV Premium will continue to be available to American viewers but will only be accessible through Apple TV subscriptions, reportedly becoming free for those subscribers. The report states that production details and on-air talent decisions remain unresolved with just 142 days until the 2026 season opener in Australia.
Film Success Influences Broadcast Negotiations
Analysts suggest that the record-breaking performance of the Brad Pitt-starring F1 movie, co-produced by Apple Studios, played a crucial role in subsequent broadcast negotiations. According to an F1 statement, the film’s nearly $630 million global gross made it “the most successful sports movie in history,” surpassing the previous record held by “Cars 2” at $559.9 million.
This demonstrated commercial appeal reportedly bolstered Apple’s confidence in F1’s potential and contributed to their significantly higher bid. The timing coincides with broader industry developments in media rights valuation.
Strategic Shift in F1’s American Growth Strategy
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told reporters that the sport’s aim with Apple was to become “part of the culture” in the United States, believing this move could help Formula One gain more popularity and compete with mainstream American sports. The decision represents a major philosophy shift for F1, which has relied on traditional linear broadcast partners like Fox, NBC, and most recently ESPN since 2001.
Under ESPN’s tenure, viewership more than doubled from an average of 554,000 viewers per race in 2018 to 1.2 million in 2022, with the 2025 season reportedly on track to reach 1.4 million. This growth at the United States Grand Prix and other American venues has been central to F1’s global expansion.
Broader Industry Implications
The move to an exclusive streaming platform represents a significant test for how Formula One reaches its evolving audience, which has attracted more young and female fans in recent years. F1 leadership is reportedly banking on Apple’s technological reach and integration capabilities to extend this growth through new avenues that traditional broadcasters cannot match.
This transition occurs alongside other major market trends in sports media rights and follows patterns seen in related innovations in broadcasting technology. The deal also reflects wider industry developments as streaming services increasingly compete for live sports content.
According to analysis by senior F1 writer Luke Smith, this represents arguably the most significant television deal since Liberty Media’s takeover as F1’s commercial rights holder in 2017, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s American expansion strategy.
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