Apple Accelerates into Formula 1 with Exclusive $750M U.S. Streaming Deal

Introduction

In a major shake-up for motorsport broadcasting, Apple has officially secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights to Formula 1 (F1) for five years, starting in 2026. Valued at around $750 million, this deal ends ESPN’s eight-year run and firmly positions Apple as a serious contender in the global sports streaming arena.

Apple and F1 have signed a 5-year deal for F1 races to be available exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S. starting in 2026

The deal is worth about $750M pic.twitter.com/3VIfSAukI6

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 17, 2025

The Details of the Apple–F1 Partnership

Under this multi-year agreement, every Formula 1 race—including practice, qualifying, and Sprint events—will be streamed exclusively on Apple TV across the U.S. Apple will pay approximately $150 million annually, significantly higher than ESPN’s previous deal of around $90 million per year.

Apple TV subscribers (priced at $12.99/month) will gain full access to all F1 content without extra fees. In a consumer-friendly twist, Apple plans to bundle F1 TV Premium—normally priced at $16.99 per month—for free with Apple TV subscriptions.

To attract new fans, Apple is reportedly planning to stream select practice sessions and highlights for free, accessible even without an active subscription. The broadcasts will be available in both English and Spanish, with commentary expected to come from F1’s own or Sky Sports feeds.

Apple’s Vision Beyond Streaming

Apple’s approach goes beyond just broadcasting. The company plans to integrate F1 content across its entire ecosystem, including Apple News, Music, Sports, and even Fitness+. Exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries and data overlays using Apple Vision Pro are rumored to be in development, potentially changing how audiences experience the sport.

Apple’s Senior VP Eddy Cue stated:

“We’re not just streaming races—we’re building a digital experience around the world’s most dynamic sport.”

F1’s Growing Popularity in the U.S.

Formula 1 has seen explosive growth in the U.S. since the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. In 2025, F1 averaged 1.4 million viewers per race, with U.S. races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas drawing massive crowds.

The partnership builds upon Apple’s growing involvement with motorsports, following the Brad Pitt-led film “F1”—produced by Apple Studios—which grossed over $630 million worldwide. The film helped elevate F1’s cultural presence, especially among younger American audiences.

Fan Reactions: Excitement Meets Frustration

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online. While many praise Apple’s innovation and streaming quality, others express frustration over subscription fatigue.

• “Great for Apple shareholders, bad for casual fans.”
• “Yet another subscription to watch my favorite sport.”
• “The quality will be amazing—but at what cost?”

This divide reflects a growing concern across sports fans globally: accessibility vs. exclusivity.

Industry Implications and ESPN’s Response

For Apple, this is part of a larger plan to dominate sports streaming. The company already holds rights to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Major League Baseball (MLB). The F1 deal marks its boldest move yet into premium global sports.

Meanwhile, ESPN released a respectful statement, thanking fans and F1 for a successful partnership and acknowledging the sport’s growing American fanbase.

Potential Long-Term Impact

This deal signifies a shift from cable to digital dominance in sports broadcasting. F1 benefits from Apple’s technological prowess and global reach, while Apple gains exclusive content that strengthens its entertainment ecosystem.

If the U.S. deal performs well, similar Apple-F1 agreements could roll out in other regions, making this a potential blueprint for the future of global sports streaming.

FAQs

Q1: When will F1 start streaming on Apple TV?

A: Starting with the 2026 F1 season, all races will stream exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S.

Q2: Do I need an extra subscription for F1 on Apple TV?

A: No, it will be included with the standard Apple TV subscription ($12.99/month).

Q3: Will any F1 content be free?

A: Yes, Apple will make selected practice sessions and highlights free to watch without subscription.

Q4: Will Apple TV produce its own commentary?

A: Initially, Apple will use Sky Sports and F1 TV commentary feeds, with plans for original coverage later.

Conclusion

Apple’s $750 million F1 deal represents more than a business move—it’s a strategic redefinition of how sports will be consumed in the digital age.

By merging cutting-edge tech, streaming quality, and brand power, Apple is racing ahead into uncharted territory—yet, the debate remains open:

“Will innovation and exclusivity enhance fan experience, or fragment it further in the age of endless subscriptions?”

Neutral Intellectual Opinion (Deep Insight)

The Apple–F1 partnership stands at a philosophical crossroads of modern media. It symbolizes both progress and paradox—a leap toward immersive, tech-driven storytelling, but also a reminder of how entertainment ecosystems increasingly fence off passion behind paywalls.

While Apple’s integration may redefine digital sports engagement, the underlying question lingers: Are we witnessing the future of accessibility, or the privatization of global fandom?

The answer may not lie in the roar of the engines, but in the quiet shift of how we choose—and afford—to watch them.