Apple is set to become the sole Formula 1 broadcasting partner in the US, with the exciting sport debuting on Apple TV next year. Here are the highlights from today’s announcement.
### Apple and Formula 1 unveil five-year partnership commencing next year
After several months of speculation and rumors, Apple has made it official today. With a new five-year agreement, Apple is stepping in as the exclusive US broadcast partner for all Formula 1 rights. Subscribers to Apple TV, the recently revamped streaming service, will have extensive access to Formula 1 races. This signifies that, in contrast to Apple’s MLS offering, which requires a separate paid subscription, Formula 1 races will be available completely free to Apple TV subscribers.
Alongside access to popular series such as *Severance*, *Ted Lasso*, and *The Morning Show*, Apple TV subscribers will gain full access to Formula 1 content—including “all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.” Apple guarantees a “more dynamic and elevated viewing experience” than has been previously provided.
Here’s Apple’s SVP of Services, Eddy Cue:
> “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Formula 1 and provide Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. with front-row access to one of the most thrilling and rapidly-growing sports globally. 2026 heralds a groundbreaking new era for Formula 1, with new teams, regulations, and top drivers, and we are eager to deliver premium, innovative fan-first coverage in a manner that only Apple can achieve.”
### Apple TV to provide some F1 coverage at no cost
Apple intends to offer a portion of Formula 1 coverage for free, requiring no subscription at all. This complimentary access will be restricted to “select races and all practice sessions.” Concerning F1 TV, the current streaming service, Apple mentions it “will remain available in the U.S. exclusively through an Apple TV subscription and will be free for those subscribed [to Apple TV].”
In terms of broadcast coverage, reports suggest that Apple’s announcer plans will encompass F1 TV and Sky broadcast commentators.
Not unexpectedly, Apple aims to leverage its range of services to promote F1 in various ways. Besides airing Formula 1 on Apple TV, Apple will enhance the sport’s visibility across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. Apple Sports, the complimentary app for iPhone, will provide live updates for each qualifying, Sprint, and race during the Grand Prix season, complete with real-time leaderboards, seasonal driver and constructor standings, Live Activities to monitor on the Lock Screen, and a dedicated widget for the iPhone Home Screen.
At present, Apple exclusively holds F1 rights in the US. However, if this partnership proves successful, it is anticipated that the company will seek to bid for global streaming rights when they become accessible in the future.
Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month, featuring popular TV shows and films.
