Formula 1 Enters Five-Year Broadcasting Agreement with Apple in the U.S.
In a significant shift for motorsports broadcasting, Formula 1 has announced a five-year agreement with Apple as its new broadcasting partner in the United States, effective immediately. This partnership sees Apple acquiring rights from ESPN, which has held the broadcasting privileges since 2018.
The deal designates Apple TV as the primary platform for F1 content in the U.S., consolidating all Formula 1 coverage, including F1 TV Premium, exclusively on Apple’s streaming service for subscribers. This strategic move is expected to enhance F1’s profile in the U.S. market, particularly following the recent success of the film “F1 The Movie.”
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the innovative nature of this agreement: “Apple will amplify the sport across numerous platforms, including Apple News, Apple Maps, and Apple Music,” he stated. “This is an incredibly exciting partnership that will maximize our growth potential in the U.S.”
Domenicali recognized ESPN’s role in elevating F1’s presence in America over the last eight years, stating, “Without their voice, we wouldn’t be as relevant today.” He expressed gratitude for ESPN’s contributions while emphasizing the transition to Apple’s streaming-focused approach.
While details on the format of the coverage under Apple are pending—specifically who will call the races and whether Apple will produce original programming—Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, indicates a focus on quality: “We’re committed to creating incredible content. Everyone on Apple TV in the U.S. will now have access to everything Formula 1 has to offer.”
This partnership aims to engage both existing fans and new audiences, tapping into the momentum created by recent F1 media projects. As global interest in the sport continues to rise, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in F1’s efforts to embed itself further into U.S. culture.
As the season progresses, both parties look forward to leveraging their strengths for a transformative partnership that promises to reshape the landscape of motorsports broadcasting in the region. ESPN has acknowledged the end of its partnership, expressing pride in its contributions and wishing F1 well for the future.
