Apple wins exclusive US Formula 1 broadcast rights starting 2026

Apple has reached a five-year exclusive deal with Liberty Media to hold US broadcast rights for Formula 1 beginning with the 2026 season. The rebranded Apple TV will carry every Grand Prix, plus practice, qualifying and sprint sessions — while select races will be available for free in the Apple TV app.

Key details to know:

• Start date: 2026 season (kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in March).
• Availability: All races and sessions on Apple TV for subscribers; some select races free to non-subscribers via the Apple TV app.
• Additional features: Live leaderboards, driver and constructor championship tracking, iPhone home-screen widget and Live Activities on the lock screen through the Apple Sports app.
• F1 TV: The standalone F1 TV service will continue in the US, but premium features like driver cams and team radio will be available to Apple TV subscribers.

Apple said it will expand F1-related content and features across its ecosystem — News, Music, Maps and Fitness+ — and will reveal production and product details ahead of the 2026 season. Reports suggest Apple bid between $120–$150 million per year for the rights, outbidding ESPN’s offer.

Why this matters: The deal further diversifies Apple’s sports portfolio (it already holds long-term MLS rights) and signals tech platforms’ growing appetite to secure marquee live sports. For F1 fans, it promises deeper integration with Apple devices and new ways to follow races in real time.

For more: Read the original report and visit Formula1.com.

Discussion: Do you think Apple will change how fans watch F1 in the US — and will you subscribe to Apple TV for the races?