October 17, (THEWILL) — Apple has agreed a five-year deal to broadcast Formula One in the United States from 2026, taking over from ESPN. The arrangement will see all live grand prix action streamed through Apple TV, with selected races and practice sessions available for free within the Apple TV app. Subscribers will gain access to Formula One’s premium content at no additional charge, though the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the partnership would allow the sport to reach more American households and deepen its cultural presence. Apple’s senior vice-president Eddy Cue, who sits on the Ferrari board, described the opportunity for both organisations as substantial and suggested the relationship could continue beyond the initial five-year term. The technology company plans to integrate Formula One across its retail stores, sports app, podcasts, music platforms, news channels and other digital touchpoints.
The deal builds on the success of Apple’s Formula One film starring Brad Pitt, which has generated over $628 million in global box office receipts. Cue noted that Formula One’s growth potential remains significant despite recent gains, particularly among younger and female audiences. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, 47 per cent of new US fans who have followed the sport for five years or fewer are aged between 18 and 24, with more than half identifying as female.
The United States now hosts three grands prix, and engagement has surged following the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Apple will broadcast all races in Spanish as well as English, whilst employing the same camera technology used in the recent film. Ian Holmes, Formula One’s director of media rights, said the deal provided access to the widest possible audience through Apple’s technical capabilities.
Liberty Media, which owns Formula One, recently acquired MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports and through Liberty Global controls Formula E. Cue emphasised that Formula One extends beyond racing into fashion, music and broader cultural spheres, offering multiple avenues for collaboration. Further opportunities may emerge globally as other broadcast agreements expire in different territories.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
