Apple and Formula 1 have announced a groundbreaking five-year deal that will make Apple TV the exclusive home for all F1 races in the United States starting in 2026. This partnership marks a major shift in how American fans will access the world’s fastest motorsport. Every practice session, qualifying round, Sprint race, and Grand Prix will stream exclusively on Apple TV for U.S. subscribers.
Building on a Blockbuster Collaboration
The new broadcast deal builds on the successful collaboration between Apple and Formula 1 behind *F1 The Movie*. Released in summer 2025, the film became the highest-grossing sports movie of all time. It also ranks as this year’s top-grossing original feature and Brad Pitt’s highest-earning film to date. With a global box office haul of over $629 million, the movie has already proven the strong synergy between Apple’s storytelling prowess and F1’s global appeal.
Comprehensive F1 Coverage Across Apple Platforms
Apple TV will offer full-season access to every element of the F1 calendar. Subscribers will enjoy live coverage of all sessions, while select races and every practice session will also be available for free in the Apple TV app. Beyond live broadcasts, Apple will integrate F1 content across its ecosystem. Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+ will all feature F1-related content throughout the year.
Real-Time Updates with Apple Sports
Apple Sports—the free iPhone app—will deliver live updates for every qualifying session, Sprint race, and Grand Prix. Fans can track real-time leaderboards, view current driver and constructor standings, and follow races directly from their Lock Screen using Live Activities. A dedicated widget will also appear on the iPhone Home Screen, keeping fans connected to the action at a glance.
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A Vision for Fan-First Innovation
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, expressed excitement about deepening Apple’s relationship with F1. “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,” he said. Cue highlighted 2026 as a pivotal year for F1, citing new teams, updated regulations, and cutting-edge cars driven by the world’s best talent.
Fueling F1’s U.S. Growth Strategy
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali called the partnership “incredibly exciting” for both organizations. He emphasized their shared vision of delivering live broadcasts, engaging content, and year-round fan engagement. Domenicali noted that their prior work on *F1 The Movie* laid a strong foundation for this next phase. He also thanked Apple leadership, including Tim Cook and Eddy Cue, for their passionate commitment to the sport.
F1 The Movie Heads to Apple TV
*F1 The Movie* will make its global streaming debut on Apple TV on Friday, December 12, 2025. The film has earned widespread praise, holding a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Critics and fans alike hail it as the most authentic racing feature ever made. Produced by Apple Studios, the film features an all-star team including Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman.
A Rapidly Expanding U.S. Fanbase
Formula 1’s popularity in the United States continues to surge. In 2024, the sport’s U.S. fanbase reached 52 million people. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey by Motorsport Network, nearly half of new American fans are between 18 and 24 years old. More than half of these newer fans are women, signaling a significant demographic shift and growth opportunity.
Apple TV: A Hub for Premium Entertainment and Live Sports
Apple TV has evolved into a major destination for premium content since its 2019 launch. Subscribers enjoy a diverse lineup that includes thrilling dramas, epic sci-fi, feel-good comedies, and award-winning documentaries. The platform now also features live sports alongside thousands of hours of Apple Originals. To date, Apple’s original programming has earned 629 awards and over 2,800 nominations.
More Details Coming Soon
Apple and Formula 1 plan to reveal additional information in the coming months. This will include production specifics, new product features, and more ways fans can enjoy F1 across Apple’s ecosystem. As the 2026 season approaches, both companies are positioning this partnership as a transformative moment for motorsport broadcasting in the U.S.
