Apple has announced a landmark five-year partnership with Formula 1 that will make Apple TV the exclusive broadcaster of all F1 races in the United States starting next year. The move marks a significant expansion of Apple’s involvement in sports streaming, following the global success of F1 The Movie, which became the highest-grossing sports film of all time. This partnership aims to offer fans a more dynamic and immersive Formula 1 experience across Apple’s ecosystem of services.
According to the official announcement, Apple TV will provide comprehensive coverage of the sport, including practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint races, and Grands Prix. While full access will be exclusive to Apple TV subscribers, select races and practice sessions will be available for free in the Apple TV app throughout the season. F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s own streaming service, will continue to operate in the U.S. but only through Apple TV, free for those who already subscribe.
Apple also plans to integrate Formula 1 content into other services such as Apple News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+. The Apple Sports app will feature real-time leaderboards, season standings, and Live Activities updates directly on the iPhone Lock Screen and Home Screen widgets, enhancing live race engagement.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, highlighted the timing of this collaboration as Formula 1 prepares for a transformative new era in 2026, with new teams, regulations, and vehicles. He emphasized Apple’s intent to deliver “premium and innovative fan-first coverage” that builds on the company’s reputation for quality and seamless integration. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed this enthusiasm, describing the partnership as a natural evolution after years of collaboration on F1 The Movie, and a crucial step in expanding F1’s U.S. audience.
The partnership underscores Formula 1’s growing popularity in America as the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey revealed that 47 percent of new U.S. fans have followed the sport for less than five years, and over half are female. With more than 52 million fans in the U.S., this deal positions Apple to capture a rapidly expanding demographic with cross-platform engagement opportunities.
F1 The Movie, produced by Apple Studios and starring Brad Pitt, will premiere on Apple TV on December 12, 2025, following its record-breaking $629 million theatrical run. The film achieved critical and commercial acclaim, earning a 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming the highest-grossing original live-action feature in the U.S. over the past five years.
Further details about the production approach, enhanced Apple TV features, and additional ways fans can experience Formula 1 content will be revealed in the coming months. The partnership reflects Apple’s growing commitment to live sports, adding to its expanding catalog of Apple Originals and marking another milestone in its push to redefine premium entertainment experiences.
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