The tech industry just got a taste of high-octane motorsport. Apple announced a five-year exclusive deal with Formula 1 to broadcast all races in the United States starting in 2026, replacing ESPN and marking one of the most significant shifts in American sports media consumption. With an estimated price tag of $140 million annually—nearly double ESPN's previous commitment—Apple is making a bold statement about the future of streaming sports and entertainment.​

This isn't just another rights acquisition; it's a strategic masterclass built on teamwork. The partnership follows the staggering success of Apple's F1: The Movie, the Brad Pitt blockbuster that grossed $630 million globally, becoming the highest-grossing sports film in history. That project gave Apple unprecedented access to F1's world, fostering a relationship between Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that laid the groundwork for this landmark deal. As Domenicali emphasized, "This is something that will represent a big step change in our approach in the media landscape".​

For American consumers, the value proposition is compelling. All races, practice sessions, qualifiers, and Sprint events will be included in the standard $12.99 monthly Apple TV subscription—no additional fees required. This contrasts sharply with Apple's Major League Soccer arrangement, which demands a separate season pass. Select races and practice sessions will even be available for free through the Apple TV app, lowering barriers for curious newcomers. F1 TV Premium subscribers in the U.S. will now access the service through their Apple TV subscription rather than as a standalone product.​

The timing couldn't be better. F1's 2025 Global Fan Survey revealed that 47% of new American fans who've followed the sport for five years or less are aged 18-24, with over half being female. Apple's ecosystem—boasting nearly 300 million iPhone users in the U.S.—provides unprecedented reach into these younger, more diverse demographics. F1's chief media rights officer Ian Holmes noted, "What excites us most about this deal is it helps us address more people consuming content in more ways".​

This deal signals where sports broadcasting is headed: away from cable bundles and toward integrated streaming experiences that leverage brand ecosystems and authentic storytelling. Apple didn't just buy broadcast rights; it invested three years in creating cinematic excellence that resonated with both hardcore fans and newcomers. That authenticity—paired with Apple's marketing muscle and technological innovation—positions this partnership as a potential blueprint for how global sports properties will engage American audiences throughout the next decade.​