Mumbai: Formula 1 has announced a landmark five-year partnership with Apple, making the tech giant the sport’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner from the 2026 season. The agreement marks a major convergence of technology, entertainment, and sport, uniting two globally admired brands known for innovation and excellence.
The announcement follows the massive success of F1® The Movie, the Apple Original Film that premiered in June across cinemas and IMAX venues worldwide. The film, which will make its streaming debut on Apple TV on 12 December 2025, has already grossed nearly $630 million globally, making it the most successful sports movie ever. Produced in close collaboration with the Formula 1 community over three years, the film was widely praised for its authenticity and cinematic scale.
Apple’s partnership with Formula 1 reflects its growing influence in the sports entertainment ecosystem. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, 47% of new U.S. fans—those following the sport for five years or less—are aged between 18 and 24, and over half are female, indicating strong potential for audience growth and diversification.
As part of the new broadcast agreement, Apple TV will air all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Select races and all practice sessions will be available to watch for free on the Apple TV app. Additionally, F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s premier content platform, will be accessible in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription, with complimentary access for subscribers.
Beyond broadcasting, Apple will integrate Formula 1 content across its ecosystem — including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+, expanding fan engagement through multiple touchpoints.
Additional production and product details will be shared in the coming months, outlining the full scope of how fans can experience Formula 1 through Apple’s services and devices.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said, “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels. We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1® The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world. We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked. I want to thank Tim Cook, Eddy Cue, and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.“
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, added, “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet. 2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1 from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can.”
