Apple Secures Five-Year Formula 1 Broadcast Deal for U.S. Fans

Formula 1 has entered into a significant five-year agreement with Apple, marking a pivotal change in its U.S. broadcasting strategy beginning with the next season. This partnership comes after ESPN, which had been the series’ broadcast partner since 2018, announced at the start of the year that it would not extend its deal.

This new collaboration is not entirely unexpected, as Apple was already involved with Formula 1 through the production of “F1 The Movie,” an original film released in cinemas and IMAX in June 2023. The film has achieved remarkable success, grossing nearly $630 million globally, making it the most successful sports movie in history and the highest-grossing film of actor Brad Pitt‘s career. This relationship positioned Apple as a strong candidate for acquiring the U.S. broadcasting rights.

According to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, the company sees this partnership as a monumental achievement. “I feel like I am on the podium, this is amazing,” Cue remarked. He emphasized Apple’s commitment to delivering compelling content, stating, “We wanted to deliver customers the best story from the most creative storytellers.” Since its launch in 2019, Apple TV has expanded from nine original series to a library of over 300 shows and movies, now reaching audiences in the U.S. with Formula 1 coverage.

Apple TV will feature all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint sessions, and races. Some races and practice sessions will be available for free through the Apple TV app, broadening access for fans. Additionally, F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s own premium content service, will remain available in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription, free for Apple subscribers.

Apple’s reach extends to over 1 billion screens globally, including iPhones, gaming consoles, and other devices. Cue noted the potential for this partnership to grow Formula 1’s fan base in the U.S., which currently hosts races in cities such as Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin. “We know many of our viewers are already Formula 1 fans, and we hope to attract many more,” Cue stated, highlighting the opportunity to engage new audiences.

The deal has garnered positive reactions within the motorsport community. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports and head of the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential. “Apple’s scale, influence, and commitment to innovation will help us reach American audiences in ways we want,” Towriss said.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the partnership’s promise for growth in the U.S. market. “This partnership will ensure we can maximize our growth potential with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” Domenicali remarked. He also acknowledged the contributions made by ESPN during their eight-season relationship, noting, “We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States.”

ESPN has expressed its well-wishes for the series moving forward, stating, “We wish F1 well in the future.” As Formula 1 transitions media partners, this collaboration with Apple represents a new era for the sport in the United States, with the potential to captivate existing fans and entice new ones through innovative content and accessibility.