Formula 1 will be broadcast in the United States on Apple TV beginning in 2026, the series’ sanctioning body announced Oct. 17.
The agreement is a five-year deal that will see all F1 races featured on the streaming service.
F1 moves to Apple from ESPN.
“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/CEO, said in a release. “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. 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.
“I want to thank [Apple CEO] Tim Cook, [Apple svp of services] Eddy Cue, and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.“
“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,” Cue added. “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.”
Apple and F1 previously collaborated on F1 The Movie, as Apple Studios was one of the film’s producers and also distributed the movie alongside Warner Bros.
ESPN had held the series’ U.S. broadcast rights since 2013.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season,” an ESPN spokesperson said. “We wish F1 well in the future.”
According to the release, certain 2026 races and will be available to watch for free on the Apple TV app, while all practice sessions will be free.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.