- Apple TV secures exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for all Formula 1 races starting in 2026 for five years.
- Comprehensive coverage including practice, qualifying, and Grands Prix will be available.
- Select races and practice sessions will be free to stream on Apple TV.
- Formula 1 content will be integrated across Apple News, Maps, Music, Fitness+, and the Apple Sports app.
- F1 TV Premium will be available exclusively through an Apple TV subscription.
What’s New / Why It Matters
Apple and Formula 1 have announced a significant five-year partnership that will see Apple TV become the exclusive broadcast platform for all Formula 1 races in the United States, beginning in 2026. This move marks a major expansion of Apple’s foray into live sports broadcasting and signals a new era for how U.S. fans will consume Formula 1 content.
The partnership aims to provide a more dynamic and elevated viewing experience, building on the success of Apple Original Films’ recent blockbuster, F1 The Movie. For Formula 1, this collaboration is expected to fuel further growth in the lucrative U.S. market, leveraging Apple’s extensive user base and ecosystem.
Formula 1 on Apple TV: The Details
Starting in 2026, Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. will have access to every practice session, qualifying, Sprint session, and Grand Prix. This comprehensive offering ensures that dedicated fans won’t miss any of the on-track action.
Adding to accessibility, select races and all practice sessions will be made available for free within the Apple TV app throughout the season. This initiative is designed to attract new viewers and provide a low-barrier entry point into the sport.
Integration Across the Apple Ecosystem
Beyond live race broadcasts, Formula 1 content will be woven into various Apple services. Apple News will likely feature race highlights and news updates, while Apple Maps could offer enhanced information for race venues.
Apple Music may curate playlists related to F1 drivers or teams, and Apple Fitness+ could introduce F1-themed workouts. The free Apple Sports app on iPhone will provide real-time updates for qualifying, Sprints, and races, including live leaderboards, standings, and Lock Screen Live Activities.
F1 TV Premium and Subscription Information
Formula 1’s existing premium offering, F1 TV Premium, will continue to be available in the U.S., but exclusively through an Apple TV subscription. Those who subscribe to Apple TV will receive F1 TV Premium at no additional cost.
Executive Statements
“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.”
“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. with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO. “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. 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.”
Context: F1 The Movie
The partnership is underscored by the immense success of F1 The Movie, which is set to debut on Apple TV on December 12, 2025. The film has achieved global box office success, grossing over $629 million and becoming the highest-grossing sports movie of all time, as well as the highest-grossing original feature of the year.
Its critical acclaim, including a 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, demonstrates a strong audience interest in Formula 1 content, which Apple aims to capitalize on with its live broadcast deal.
Formula 1’s Growing U.S. Popularity
Formula 1 has experienced significant growth in the U.S., with its fanbase reaching 52 million in 2024. Recent surveys indicate that a substantial portion of new U.S. fans (47%) are aged 18-24 and over half are female, highlighting a demographic shift and an expanding audience base.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Exclusive and comprehensive live F1 coverage for U.S. Apple TV subscribers. Potential for innovative broadcast features and deeper ecosystem integration. Increased accessibility with free select race streams.
- Cons: Requires an Apple TV subscription for full access, potentially alienating cord-cutters who previously relied on other services.
FAQ
When does this partnership begin?
The exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 on Apple TV begin in 2026.
Will all races be behind a paywall?
No, select races and all practice sessions will be available for free on the Apple TV app throughout the season.
What about existing F1 TV Premium subscribers?
F1 TV Premium will be available in the U.S. exclusively through an Apple TV subscription and will be included at no extra cost for subscribers.
How will this impact the Apple Sports app?
The Apple Sports app will provide live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race, including real-time leaderboards and Lock Screen Live Activities.
Availability & Pricing
The partnership commences in 2026. Pricing for Apple TV subscriptions will apply, with F1 TV Premium included for subscribers. Specific details on new broadcast features and enhanced content will be announced in the coming months.