Big news, racing fans. Apple is gearing up to secure the US streaming rights for Formula 1, and this could be a total game-changer for how you watch the world’s fastest sport.
According to new reports, Apple is in final negotiations for a deal that would put every F1 race in the US under the Apple TV+ umbrella starting in 2026. And the price tag? A cool $150 million+ per year. Yeah, Apple isn’t just dipping its toes into live sports — it’s jumping straight into the driver’s seat.
What’s Actually Happening?
It started earlier this week with a Financial Times report, and now Business Insider is backing it up. Apple is set to outbid ESPN for exclusive Formula 1 streaming rights in the US. ESPN currently pays about $90 million a year for those rights, but Apple is ready to nearly double that.
Unless there’s a sudden U-turn, Apple will officially take over F1 coverage in America after ESPN’s deal wraps at the end of the current season.
What This Means for Fans
If the deal goes through, starting in 2026, Apple will become the go-to spot to stream every Formula 1 race in the US. Based on how they handle Major League Soccer and MLB, it’s likely F1 coverage will be either:
- Included with Apple TV+
- Offered as a separate F1 Pass
- Or bundled with existing Apple sports packages
We still don’t know what this means for F1 TV, the current official streaming platform, but don’t be surprised if it takes a backseat, Apple might go all-in on exclusivity.
Apple’s Big Play for Sports
Let’s be real, Apple’s not here to mess around. With MLS, MLB, and now possibly F1, Apple is slowly but surely turning TV+ into a legit sports streaming powerhouse.
And timing-wise, this makes sense. Apple recently dropped F1: The Movie, which starred Brad Pitt and made a splash on and off the track. Now they’re following it up with actual racing rights? That’s next-level synergy.
Final Thoughts
Apple isn’t just adding another streaming deal. It’s making a bold move to own the F1 experience in the US. If you’re a racing fan, this could mean better coverage, deeper integration with Apple devices, and hopefully, a smoother way to follow every twist and turn of the season.
Starting in 2026, Apple might just be your new F1 pit crew. And honestly, we’re here for it.
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