Apple to stream exclusive US Formula 1 rights on Apple TV from 2026

Apple will be the exclusive U.S. home for Formula 1 beginning in 2026 under a five year agreement that moves all Grand Prix broadcasting to Apple TV and requires U.S. viewers to subscribe to Apple’s streaming service to see the full slate of live coverage. The deal, announced Friday, transfers U.S. rights from ESPN as of the end of the 2025 season.

People with direct knowledge of the deal said Apple will pay roughly $140 to $150 million a year for the rights, valuing the five year pact at about $700 to $750 million. That is a substantial increase over the roughly $90 million per year ESPN has been paying on its current contract, which runs through the 2025 season.

Under the agreement, Apple TV subscribers in the United States will receive live coverage of every practice, qualifying, sprint session and Grand Prix. Select races and all practice sessions will also be made available for free in the Apple TV app without a subscription. Formula 1’s F1 TV Premium direct to consumer service will continue to operate in the U.S., but access will be available only through an Apple TV subscription, the companies said. It remains unclear whether F1 TV content will be folded into Apple TV’s...