Apple announced its new five-year deal to become the exclusive broadcast partner for Formula 1 in the United States, starting in 2026. This means that all F1 races—including practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix—will be available via Apple TV in the U.S. The arrangement also includes selective free broadcasts of races and practice sessions in the Apple TV app (i.e. for non-subscribers). F1 TV Premium is also included at no extra cost to the users.
Apple’s strength lies in its interconnected world, and F1 content will weave through it effortlessly. Expect live updates in the free Apple Sports app on iPhone, complete with real-time leaderboards, driver standings, and constructor rankings. Fans can even track races via Live Activities on the Lock Screen or a dedicated Home Screen widget. The excitement extends beyond the track. Formula 1 highlights and stories will pop up in Apple News for timely reads, while Apple Maps could spotlight circuit locations for virtual tours. Music lovers might discover race-inspired playlists on Apple Music, and fitness enthusiasts could sync workouts with F1-themed sessions in Apple Fitness+.
This partnership isn’t starting from scratch. It builds directly on the roaring success of Apple’s F1 The Movie, the highest-grossing sports film ever, which has raked in $629 million at the global box office since its summer release. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced with input from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and star Brad Pitt, the film captured imaginations and drew in new audiences. Mark your calendars: It streams globally on Apple TV starting December 12, 2025.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, captured the enthusiasm: “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.” He highlighted the upcoming season’s transformations, promising coverage “in a way that only Apple can.”
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed the synergy: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership… 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.” He thanked Apple’s leadership, including CEO Tim Cook, for their “vision and passionate approach.”
Formula 1’s U.S. audience hit 52 million in 2024, with nearly half of new fans under 25 and over half being women—a demographic shift that’s as refreshing as a pit-stop strategy.
What do you think—will this deal make you subscribe to Apple TV? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
