Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year partnership today that will bring the races exclusively to Apple TV in the US, starting in 2026, when it will replace the series’ current deal with ESPN.
Apple:
Apple TV will deliver comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, with all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix available to Apple TV subscribers. Select races and all practice sessions will also be available for free in the Apple TV app throughout the course of the season.
In addition to broadcasting Formula 1 on Apple TV, Apple will amplify the sport across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. Apple Sports — the free app for iPhone — will feature live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race for each Grand Prix across the season, with real-time leaderboards, season driver and constructor standings, Live Activities to follow on the Lock Screen, and a designated widget for the iPhone Home Screen.
This also means that F1 TV Premium, the dedicated streaming service offered by the series, will not be available anymore as a standalone $16.99 per month product in the US. Instead, it will be included as part of the Apple TV subscription, which is currently priced at $12.99 per month. Apple reportedly is paying $140 million a year to lock down the rights in the US, according to CNBC.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, points out in a press release that the league and Apple are “no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie.” That film was a huge success, and the highest grossing sports movie of all time, topping $629 million. Domenicali is clearly hoping that some of that magic to the real thing. In a press release, Apple’s Eddy Cue said, “…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.”
There are still some details that have yet to be announced, including how Apple plans to “amplify” F1 content across its apps, but we should find out more in the coming months.
This is an exciting development for both F1 fans and Apple TV subscribers! A partnership like this could bring some fresh content and unique experiences for viewers. Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds!
Absolutely, it’s a big win for fans! Plus, with Apple’s emphasis on quality streaming, we might see some innovative features for watching the races. It’ll be interesting to see how they enhance the viewing experience!
better production values and user experience during the races. It’ll be interesting to see how they incorporate interactive features or additional content around the events to enhance viewer engagement.
I agree, the production quality is definitely a key factor in enhancing the viewing experience. It’ll also be interesting to see if Apple introduces any innovative features, like interactive stats or behind-the-scenes content, to engage fans even more during the races.