Apple has secured a five-year exclusive deal to stream all Formula 1 races in the United States on Apple TV, beginning in 2026, marking a significant expansion into live sports streaming.
Apple and Formula 1 have announced a five-year media rights agreement that will make Apple TV the exclusive platform for streaming every F1 race in the United States, starting in 2026. This deal, revealed on Friday, represents a notable advancement in Apple’s efforts to expand its presence in live sports streaming.
Under the terms of the agreement, subscribers to Apple TV, who pay the standard monthly fee of $12.99, will have access to comprehensive coverage of all Formula 1 events. This includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and Sprint races, all without advertisements. Additionally, select races and all practice sessions will be available for free streaming through the Apple TV app during the season, as confirmed in a joint statement from both companies.
This new structure differs from Apple’s existing partnership with Major League Soccer, which requires an additional purchase of the MLS Season Pass. Reports indicate that Apple is paying approximately $140 million annually for the Formula 1 rights, a significant increase compared to Disney’s ESPN, which previously paid around $85 million per year for the same rights.
The agreement further solidifies Apple’s growing relationship with Formula 1, following the success of “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which has become the highest-grossing sports film of all time.
In a statement, ESPN expressed pride in its collaboration with Formula 1 in the United States, stating, “We are incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.”
F1’s own streaming service, F1 TV Premium, will continue to be available in the U.S. but will now be integrated into Apple’s ecosystem. Subscribers will need an Apple TV subscription to access F1 TV Premium content, which will be included as part of the package rather than offered as a standalone service. The coverage will feature commentary from both F1 TV and Sky Sports announcers, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, emphasized the company’s selective approach to live sports, focusing on opportunities where it can “control the user experience.” Speaking at the Motorsport Network’s Autosport Business Exchange NYC, Cue stated, “We don’t have to do sports the way that they are. There’s plenty of people doing that, so the world doesn’t need us to do that. And so our view around it is, if we can do something unique, then we’ll do it.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Apple and the whole of Formula 1 that will ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S.”
This exclusive deal positions Apple as a significant player in the sports streaming market, reflecting its commitment to providing unique and engaging content for its subscribers.
Source: Original article