Apple TV Wins Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in $160 Million-a-Year U.S. Deal — ESPN Out After 2023
Formula 1 has officially struck a massive five-year broadcast deal with Apple TV, marking one of the biggest shifts in sports media this decade. The new agreement, valued at around $160 million per year, will begin in 2026 and give Apple exclusive rights to stream every Formula 1 race in the United States.
This deal ends ESPN’s run as F1’s American broadcast partner, a role it’s held since 2018. ESPN confirmed it will part ways with the racing giant after its current contract expires at the end of this year, thanking Formula 1 for a strong partnership.
Apple’s Long Game with Formula 1
This partnership didn’t happen overnight. Apple and F1 have been collaborating behind the scenes for several years, most notably through the Brad Pitt–starring film “F1: The Movie”, produced by Apple Studios. According to F1 president Stefano Domenicali, this deeper collaboration laid the foundation for the streaming deal, with both sides sharing a vision to expand F1’s U.S. audience and offer fans a more immersive viewing experience.
Apple’s Senior VP of Services Eddy Cue, a lifelong motorsports fan (and Ferrari board member), said the deal reflects Apple’s goal to bring subscribers “unprecedented access to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.”
How the Deal Works
Starting in 2026, Apple TV subscribers will be able to watch every F1 race, practice session, qualifying round, and Sprint event — all included within Apple TV’s standard $12.99/month ad-free plan.
Even better: some practice sessions and select races will be free to watch on the Apple TV app throughout the season.
Unlike its MLS package, where Apple created a separate paid subscription, Formula 1 content will be bundled directly into Apple TV (the service, not the hardware). It’s a smart move — Apple gets premium sports content, and F1 ensures wider accessibility beyond a niche audience.
What Happens to F1 TV Premium
F1’s own streaming platform, F1 TV Premium, will continue to operate in the U.S. but with a twist — it will now be available through Apple TV. Subscribers who sign up for Apple TV will automatically have access to F1 TV Premium, consolidating everything under one ecosystem.
This was reportedly a sticking point in negotiations, as many speculated F1 TV might disappear from the U.S. market entirely. Instead, it’s now positioned as a “pro” tier for hardcore fans, included within Apple’s service at no extra cost.
Why Apple Wanted It
Apple’s interest in live sports isn’t new — the company already holds global rights to Major League Soccer (MLS) and has been testing immersive video formats designed for its Vision Pro headset. F1’s high-speed, tech-driven nature makes it a perfect fit for that next-generation experience.
Also worth noting: Apple’s hit F1 movie helped ignite this partnership. The film’s strong performance and Apple’s aggressive marketing around it reportedly accelerated talks. In short, Apple is betting on Formula 1 becoming the next major sports boom in America, similar to what Netflix’s Drive to Survive did for the sport’s global popularity.
Money Talks
According to insiders, Apple’s deal is worth around $140–160 million per year, nearly double what Disney’s ESPN had been paying (around $85 million annually). For context, Apple generates that kind of revenue every few hours — so this is pocket change for them but a major win for F1.
ESPN may be out, but the message is clear: Apple wants to dominate premium sports streaming, and F1 is its next big trophy.
The Road Ahead
The timing couldn’t be better. F1’s U.S. fanbase has exploded in recent years, thanks to new Grand Prix events in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin. The 2025 season, meanwhile, is shaping up to be intense, with Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen battling for the championship at circuits like the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.
Once the Apple TV deal takes effect in 2026, viewers can expect higher production quality, more behind-the-scenes access, and possibly even immersive, mixed-reality viewing options via Apple’s Vision Pro.
Key Details:
New Broadcaster: Apple TV (Starting 2026)
Contract Duration: 5 years
Annual Value: ~$160 million
Outgoing Broadcaster: ESPN (Ends 2023)
Streaming Perks: Ad-free, select free races, F1 TV Premium integration
Potential Vision Pro integration: Likely in future seasons
Bottom Line:
Apple’s entry into F1 broadcasting isn’t just another rights deal — it’s a calculated move to merge sports, streaming, and technology under one global ecosystem. With Netflix fueling the fandom and Apple now owning the U.S. screen, Formula 1’s next lap in America is set to be its fastest yet.