Apple Secures Formula One Streaming Rights for $750 Million

Starting in 2025, all F1 practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and Grands Prix will be accessible to Apple TV+ users.

Jared C. Tilton/ Getty Images

The foremost motorsport globally is transitioning from ESPN to Apple TV+. Multiple sources indicate that the technology conglomerate disbursed approximately $750 million to obtain exclusive streaming and broadcast rights for Formula One races in the United States for a duration of five years. Commencing with the 2026 season, all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and Grands Prix will be accessible to Apple TV+ users.

“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.”

Alongside delivering extensive race weekend coverage, Apple will enhance F1's presence across its platforms, including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. The complimentary iPhone application Apple Sports, which already provides a selection of Major League Soccer matches (available for an extra fee) and a double-header of MLB baseball games on Friday evenings, will include live updates for every qualifying session, Sprint, and race for each Grand Prix throughout the season. Fans may anticipate real-time leaderboards, seasonal driver and constructor rankings, Live Activities on the Lock Screen, and a specific widget for the iPhone Home Screen. F1 TV Premium, the exclusive content service of Formula 1, will be accessible in the U.S. alone through an Apple TV+ subscription, which will be complimentary for subscribers.

The agreement comes after the significant box-office triumph of the Apple-produced film F1: The Movie, which is set to premiere on Apple TV+ in December. Since its premiere at No. 1 in theaters this summer, F1 The Movie has generated $629 million at the global box office, establishing itself as the year's highest-grossing original feature and the highest-grossing sports film to date, as well as Brad Pitt's most successful film thus far. With F1: The Movie, Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and its recent acquisition by Apple, Formula One has achieved unprecedented visibility and popularity.