Breaking News: Apple TV Takes the Wheel for Formula 1 in the U.S.
In a major shake-up for American motorsport fans, Apple TV has secured an exclusive five-year broadcasting deal to bring Formula 1 action to the United States starting in 2026. The announcement came Friday, marking a pivotal shift in how fans will experience the high-speed thrill of F1. The deal is reportedly valued at an eye-popping $160 million per year, highlighting the streaming giant's serious commitment to live sports.
But here's where it gets controversial: the timing coincides with the global success of "F1 The Movie," a project Apple collaborated on closely with Formula 1 over the past three years. Could this cinematic partnership have influenced the U.S. broadcasting deal? Many fans are debating the intersection of entertainment and live sports in this move.
ESPN, which has been the home of Formula 1 in the U.S. since 2018, will continue its coverage until the end of this season. In a statement, ESPN reflected on its tenure: "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. We wish F1 well in the future." Their words hint at both a sense of achievement and the bittersweet reality of passing the torch.
F1 President Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm about the transition, emphasizing the established relationship between Apple and Formula 1: "Apple and F1 are no strangers to each other. Over the past three years, we've collaborated on 'F1 The Movie,' which has already captivated audiences worldwide. Together, we share a vision to elevate the sport's profile in the U.S., engaging current fans and drawing new ones through live broadcasts and year-round content." This suggests a strategic approach that goes beyond just race day coverage.
This week, the F1 circus lands in the United States as the season intensifies at Austin's Circuit of the Americas. The battle for the drivers' championship is heating up, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the pack. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is chasing his fifth title but faces a daunting challenge, trailing the McLaren duo by over 40 points with only six races left. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every lap counts.
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, expressed excitement over the deal: "We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the fastest-growing and most thrilling sports on the planet." This statement underscores Apple’s strategy to turn F1 into a year-round engagement, not just a seasonal spectacle.
And this is the part most people miss: with streaming platforms now competing for sports rights, the traditional broadcasting model is being disrupted. Will this shift make F1 more accessible to new audiences, or will it alienate longtime fans accustomed to ESPN's coverage? Share your thoughts—could Apple TV redefine the way Americans experience Formula 1, or is nostalgia for traditional TV coverage too strong to overcome?
