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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+
