Apple, F1 reach 5-year media deal, bringing races to Apple TV streaming

Formula 1 has announced a significant media rights deal with Apple, which will bring every F1 race to Apple TV starting in 2026. This five-year partnership will provide comprehensive coverage of all F1 events, including practice, qualifying, and Sprint sessions, as part of Apple TV’s existing $12.99 per month subscription, which is ad-free. Additionally, certain F1 races and all practice sessions will be available for free in the Apple TV app throughout the season.

The deal marks a notable shift in the broadcasting landscape for F1, with Apple paying approximately $140 million per year for the racing rights. This is a significant increase from the previous deal with Disney’s ESPN, which paid around $85 million per year on average. The new partnership will also impact F1 TV Premium, the league’s own content offering, which will now require an Apple TV subscription to access.

Impact on F1 Fans and Broadcasting

F1 fans can expect a unique viewing experience, with commentary from F1 TV and Sky broadcast announcers. Apple has emphasized its commitment to controlling the user experience, and Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue has hinted at additional production details and product enhancements for F1 fans in the coming months. This deal builds on Apple’s existing relationship with F1, following the success of “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which became the highest-grossing sports movie of all time at the box office.

The partnership is seen as a strategic move by Apple to expand its presence in the live sports market. However, the company has made it clear that it will only pursue sports content that allows it to control the user experience. As Cue noted, “We don’t have to do sports the way that they are… If we can do something unique, then we’ll do it.” This approach is likely to shape the future of sports broadcasting and how fans engage with their favorite teams and leagues.

Reaction from Industry Stakeholders

Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, has welcomed the partnership, stating that it will “ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the U.S.” Representatives from ESPN have also responded to the news, expressing pride in their previous partnership with F1 and wishing the league well in its future endeavors. As the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, this deal is likely to have significant implications for fans, teams, and leagues alike.

The CNBC Sport newsletter, which brings the latest news and exclusive interviews from the worlds of sports business and media, will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this developing story. With the Apple-F1 partnership set to revolutionize the way fans experience live sports, it’s an exciting time for the industry, and readers can stay up-to-date with the latest developments by subscribing to the newsletter.