“`html

Apple‍ Takes the​ Checkered Flag: Securing exclusive US Formula 1​ Broadcast ⁣Rights

Apple ⁣has agreed a five-year deal⁢ to become the exclusive broadcaster of formula One in the US from⁢ next season.

Apple TV+ will air every practise and qualification, sprint‌ race, and ‌Grand Prix from ⁣the 2026 Formula⁢ One World Championship at ‌no additional cost⁣ to ​subscribers, who will also gain access to ⁢F1 TV premium.

All practice ⁤sessions will ‍be available for ​free,​ as will selected⁢ races ⁣throughout the​ season in a bid to improved accessibility in what remains a significant growth‌ market for the⁤ sport.

The tech giant has long been linked with a move for Formula One, which ⁢is currently broadcast by ESPN,​ with speculation intensifying after the accomplished launch of ⁣F1: The ‌Movie.

Financial terms have not been disclosed ⁤but⁣ Apple is ⁤thought to be paying US$150 million a season,or⁤ US$750⁤ million over the lifetime of the ​contract. That is a ⁤significant uplift⁣ on the ​current deal ⁣with ESPN, ‍whose ⁤deal is worth ⁢a reported US$90 ‍million annually.

ESPN released‍ a statement shortly after news of ​ Formula One‘s Apple deal broke, which read: ‘We’re incredibly⁤ proud of what we and Formula One accomplished together ‌in the United States and look ​forward to a strong finish in⁤ this final season. ‍We ‍wish F1 well in the future.’

Apple will share more details about coverage plans ‍closer to the new season but has ‌promised to amplify the ⁣sport‌ across its ⁢full suite ‍of⁢ applications, including ⁣Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple‍ Sports, and⁤ Apple Fitness+