Apple Seeded: F1 Racing To Apple TV From ESPN In Multi-Platform Alliance
Friday, October 17, 2025 at 03:05PM By Barry Janoff
October 17, 2025: Describing it as a strategy that would “bring together two global brands with a shared passion for innovation, excellence and entertainment,” Formula 1 has signed a five-year partnership with Apple to become the sport’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner, beginning in 2026.
Via a deal that began in 2018, F1 currently airs on ESPN in the U.S., with the pact expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
Financial terms were not shared, but Apple's deal was put at $160 million a year by industry analysts.
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO, said via the racing circuit.
“We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked.”
The alliance follows the successful collaboration between F1 and Apple on F1 The Movie, an Apple Original Film starring Brad Pitt that was released internationally in cinemas and IMAX venues in June. To date, it has grossed almost $630 million globally, with Apple calling it “the most successful sports movie in history.”
F1 The Movie will make its global streaming debut date on Apple TV Dec.12.
“We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world,” said Domenicali. “As demonstrated by F1 The Movie, Apple’s ability to reach a diverse range of consumers across its powerful ecosystem presents a groundbreaking opportunity to engage new fans.”
Apple said it “invested significantly in the project and worked with the F1 community in an unprecedented collaboration over three years to deliver a truly authentic and immersive racing movie for new and established F1 fans.”
In addition to showing F1 on Apple TV, Apple said it would “amplify the sport” across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+.
The new broadcast agreement will see Apple TV host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season will also be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
Additional information, including production and product details will be unveiled in the coming months.
F1 The Movie“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 most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” Eddy Cue Apple svp-service, said via the media company.
“2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.”
According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, 47% of new U.S. F1 fans who have been following the sport for five years or less are aged 18-24. More than 50% are female, “underlining the partnership’s huge potential to expand the sport’s younger and more diverse audience.”
Upcoming races in the U.S. are Austin Oct. 17-19 and Las Vegas Nov. 20-22, both on ESPN. The Miami event in May will air on Apple.
“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,” ESPN said in a statement. We wish F1 well in the future."
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