Official: Apple takes over F1 broadcast rights in the U.S. from 2026

In a significant move that could reshape how American fans watch Formula 1, Apple TV has announced that it will become the exclusive broadcaster of the sport in the United States starting in 2026.

The five-year landmark deal, reportedly worth $160 million per year, marks Apple’s most ambitious step yet into live sports streaming – and continues its deepening relationship with F1 following their high-profile collaboration on the hit film F1 The Movie.

For Apple, the acquisition places it in pole position in the battle for live sports dominance, while for Formula 1, it’s another milestone in its relentless push to expand its booming U.S. fan base.

The exclusive agreement will also nicely pad the coffers of commercial rights holder Liberty Media, but more importantly, it signals a changing of the guard - from legacy TV to the streaming era, and perhaps a glimpse of what’s next for live sports.

“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,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services.

“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.”

A New Era for Formula 1 Broadcasting

The agreement brings an end to ESPN’s tenure as F1’s U.S. broadcaster, which began in 2018. The Disney affiliate’s current deal, using Sky Sports F1’s acclaimed UK-based feed, will conclude this season — and while it remains unclear whether Apple will continue with Sky’s production or tap into F1’s own in-house F1 TV setup, sources suggest both options are under discussion.

As for F1 TV, the app will be folded into the Apple TV app from 2026 for US viewers.

It’s also unclear how the F1 TV streaming service will coexist – if at all – in the United States alongside Apple TV’s offer.

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the move, describing it as a natural evolution of the sport’s U.S. expansion.

“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,” Domenicali said.

“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.

• Read also: Sainz says F1 broadcast criticism was ‘blown out of proportion’

“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.

“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.”

From the Big Screen to the Starting Grid

The announcement comes as Apple and Formula 1 enjoy a wave of mutual momentum. F1 The Movie, produced with Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), became a cultural phenomenon upon release earlier this year, further accelerating Formula 1’s mainstream breakthrough in the U.S.

Now, the partnership shifts from Hollywood to the pit lane – with Apple promising a streaming experience as sleek and polished as the sport itself.

Whether fans will tune in for Sky’s familiar voices or an entirely new Apple-led production remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: from 2026, the U.S. Formula 1 audience will be living in Apple’s fast lane.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook