Apple is significantly expanding its commitment to Formula 1, transforming its Apple TV app into a central hub for the racing series and preparing to become the exclusive home for F1 broadcasts in the United States beginning in . The company has launched a dedicated F1 channel within the Apple TV app, offering a preview of the comprehensive coverage planned for the upcoming season and beyond.
The new channel currently features placeholders for key race weekend events – practice sessions, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself – alongside a “weekend warm-up show.” This suggests Apple is structuring the viewing experience around the traditional F1 schedule, providing fans with a single destination for all race-related content. The inclusion of these placeholders hints at the scale of Apple’s ambition for its F1 coverage.
This move follows Apple’s successful foray into F1 with the Apple Original Films documentary, F1: Drive to Survive
, and the recent theatrical release of F1 The Movie
, which has grossed nearly $630 million globally, becoming the highest-grossing sports movie of all time. The success of the film demonstrates Apple’s ability to reach a broad audience and engage new fans with the sport, a key factor in Formula 1’s continued growth in the US.
The five-year broadcast deal, announced in October 2025, marks a significant shift in the landscape of F1 broadcasting in the United States. Previously, ESPN held the rights, but Apple will now deliver all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix exclusively to Apple TV subscribers. Select races and all practice sessions will also be available for free within the Apple TV app, offering a tiered access model for fans.
Interestingly, Apple’s presentation of the race events will likely leverage existing broadcasting infrastructure. The Apple TV channel currently displays an “Event Schedule: Sky Sports” section, indicating that Apple intends to utilize Sky Sports’ commentary team rather than developing its own in-house broadcasting capabilities. This approach mirrors ESPN’s strategy during its tenure with F1 broadcast rights, suggesting a pragmatic approach to quickly establishing a high-quality broadcast offering.
Beyond the live race coverage, Apple plans to integrate F1 content across its broader ecosystem of services. This includes amplifying the sport through Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. Apple Sports, a free app for iPhone, will provide live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race, including real-time leaderboards, season standings, Live Activities for the Lock Screen, and a dedicated Home Screen widget. This cross-platform integration aims to create a comprehensive F1 experience for Apple users.
For dedicated fans, the F1 TV Premium streaming package will be available as part of an Apple TV subscription, providing access to a wealth of additional content. This includes driver cams, live team radios, and comprehensive behind-the-scenes footage, catering to viewers seeking a more immersive and detailed viewing experience. The inclusion of F1 TV Premium within the Apple TV subscription is a significant value-add for serious F1 enthusiasts.
The partnership between Apple and Formula 1 is driven by a shared commitment to innovation and fan experience. The 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey revealed that 47% of new U.S. F1 fans have been following the sport for five years or less, and over half are female. This demographic shift underscores the potential for Apple to expand F1’s audience and attract a younger, more diverse fanbase. Apple’s powerful ecosystem and reach present a groundbreaking opportunity to engage new fans and further grow the sport’s popularity in the United States.
While the specifics of Apple’s broadcast presentation are still emerging, the launch of the dedicated channel within the Apple TV app signals a clear intent to deliver a comprehensive and engaging F1 experience. The integration of Sky Sports commentary, the availability of free race content, and the inclusion of F1 TV Premium within the Apple TV subscription all point to a strategy designed to appeal to a broad range of fans, from casual viewers to dedicated enthusiasts. As the season approaches, Apple is positioning itself as the definitive destination for Formula 1 in the United States.
