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Apple TV has secured broadcasting rights in the U.S. for 2026 and beyond, following the success of its F1 film.
Liberty Media, F1, and Apple confirmed the deal ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Texas on Sunday.
A five-year agreement will allow Apple TV to stream all practice, qualifying, and grand prix sessions in full, with plans to add replays of select races later.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services said: “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet.”
Last year, Formula 1 attracted nearly 90 million new fans, with women leading the surge in new viewership.
The rapid growth in F1’s fanbase and revenue sparked a competitive battle for broadcasting rights.
Netflix was the initial frontrunner to the rights to F1 broadcast due to its ongoing “Drive to Survive” series.
Previously, Disney-owned ESPN held the broadcasting rights alongside F1’s own service, F1TV, but that partnership will conclude after eight years.
Apple’s interest in F1 has steadily increased since it began collaborating with the sport, culminating in the release of the F1 movie this year.
The F1 movie has become the highest-grossing motor-racing film in history and Apple TV’s most successful movie to date, with a sequel likely on the horizon.
As Apple seeks to make its mark in filmmaking, will it also challenge for the rights to “Drive to Survive”?
Featured Image: Red Bull Content Pool
