Published: October 18, 2025, 22:10 EDT
Apple has signed a landmark five-year agreement to become Formula 1’s exclusive broadcast partner in the United States, replacing ESPN and further expanding the tech giant’s growing presence in live sports entertainment.
Apple Takes the Wheel of Formula 1 Broadcasting
The partnership, announced Friday, will see Formula 1 coverage move to Apple TV starting with the next racing season. While financial details were not disclosed, the deal marks a strategic expansion for Apple’s streaming platform, Apple TV+, which launched in 2019 and has since become a global content hub across more than 100 countries.
Apple’s move comes as ESPN, which had held Formula 1’s U.S. broadcast rights since 2018, decided not to renew its agreement earlier this year. ESPN played a key role in growing the sport’s American fan base amid the global popularity surge driven by Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series.
The new Apple deal, however, positions the company to build on that growth by combining F1’s global spectacle with Apple’s expansive digital ecosystem.
A Partnership Fueled by Momentum from F1’s Hollywood Success
Apple’s relationship with Formula 1 deepened during production of F1 The Movie, an Apple Original film starring Brad Pitt. Released internationally in June and scheduled to stream on Apple TV+ in December, the movie grossed nearly $630 million worldwide, becoming the highest-earning sports film in history and the most lucrative of Pitt’s career.
That success reportedly made Apple the leading contender for F1’s U.S. broadcast rights. The series’ leadership saw the collaboration as evidence of Apple’s ability to market the sport beyond traditional audiences.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said the deal represents both a professional milestone and a new chapter for sports streaming. “I feel like I’m on the podium — this is amazing,” Cue said. “We launched Apple TV with nine original series, and now we’ve built a library of more than 300 shows and movies. Now, everyone on Apple TV in the U.S. will get Formula 1.”
Comprehensive Coverage Across Apple Platforms
Under the agreement, Formula 1 races, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and sprint events will all be available through Apple TV. Select races and practice sessions will be offered free to stream within the Apple TV app, while full coverage will be included for Apple TV+ subscribers.
In addition, Apple plans to integrate Formula 1 coverage into its broader digital ecosystem — spanning Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Maps, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. These integrations are expected to offer fans enhanced experiences, such as real-time race tracking, curated playlists, and fitness training programs inspired by F1 drivers.
F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s own direct-to-consumer streaming service, will also remain available in the U.S. through Apple TV, and will be offered free of charge to existing Apple subscribers.
A Growing Fan Base in the United States
Formula 1 currently holds three major races in the United States — in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, Texas — and has seen unprecedented growth among American audiences.
Cue emphasized that Apple’s digital reach will further accelerate that trend. “The millions of Apple TV viewers in the U.S. include many Formula 1 fans — and many who aren’t yet,” he said. “We’re going to bring those new fans into the sport right away. That’s very much low-hanging fruit.”
Industry Leaders Applaud the Deal
The agreement drew praise from across the motorsports community. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports and the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, said Apple’s involvement aligns with the team’s vision to expand the sport’s American footprint.
“As we build a truly American team, Apple’s scale, influence, and deep commitment to innovation will bring us to audiences in exactly the ways we want to reach them,” Towriss said.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed that sentiment, calling the partnership a milestone for the sport’s U.S. growth strategy. “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple,” he said. “It ensures we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels.”
ESPN Exits on a High Note
Domenicali also credited ESPN for helping strengthen Formula 1’s American presence over the past eight years. The network, in a statement, expressed pride in its collaboration with the sport. “We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season,” ESPN said. “We wish F1 well in the future.”
Despite stepping away from Formula 1, ESPN retains broadcast partnerships with other major international leagues, including the English Premier League and Major League Baseball.
A Digital Turning Point for Global Sports Broadcasting
Media analysts say the Apple-F1 deal reflects a broader shift in how sports rights are negotiated and distributed. With global streaming platforms increasingly competing with traditional networks, major leagues are looking for partners capable of integrating content across digital ecosystems.
Apple’s expanding sports portfolio — which already includes Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer rights — positions it as a major player in the future of sports media.
For Formula 1, the agreement with Apple is not just about broadcasting races, but about redefining how fans experience them. Through Apple’s seamless integration of technology, entertainment, and interactivity, F1 aims to capture both die-hard fans and a new generation of digital-native viewers.
Source: AP News – What Apple’s new 5-year deal with Formula 1 means for US fans
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