Apple Strengthens Its Presence in Formula 1 Broadcasting with Major U.S. Streaming Deal

Apple is making a significant move into Formula 1 broadcasting after securing a new long-term agreement to stream the championship in the United States, marking one of the company’s most ambitious sports media expansions to date.

MOTOR RACING

Vitor Regis

5/19/20262 min read

Under the reported deal, Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. is expected to become available through Apple TV as part of a multi-year partnership valued at approximately US$150 million per season. The agreement would position Apple as a major new player in motorsport broadcasting, further expanding its growing portfolio of live sports rights.

The move comes at a time when Formula 1 continues to experience rapid commercial growth, particularly in North America. Since the success of Drive to Survive and the addition of races in Miami and Las Vegas, the series has attracted a broader and younger audience, making media rights increasingly valuable.

Industry analysts view Apple’s investment as a strategic effort to strengthen Apple TV’s premium sports offering. However, despite the scale of the U.S. agreement, a broader global rollout of Apple-led F1 broadcasting may take longer to materialize due to existing regional television contracts already in place across Europe, Asia, and other key markets.

Formula 1 and Apple have yet to announce detailed distribution plans beyond the American market, but the agreement highlights how streaming platforms are becoming increasingly influential in the future of live sports media.

The deal also intensifies competition among broadcasters and digital platforms seeking premium sports content, reinforcing Formula 1’s status as one of the fastest-growing global sports properties.

Source:
Reuters – “After U.S. deal, Apple's global F1 push may take time”
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/after-us-deal-apples-global-f1-push-may-take-time-2026-05-19/

Additional reference:
Formula 1 media rights and broadcasting developments
https://www.formula1.com/