Apple TV F1 2026: Why Apple’s Five-Year U.S. Deal Could Change How We Watch Racing

Apple and Formula 1 have signed a five-year agreement that makes Apple TV the exclusive home of F1 in the United States beginning with the 2026 season. The partnership covers every session across a race weekend, including practice, qualifying, Sprints, and the Grands Prix themselves. It replaces ESPN’s package and puts F1 alongside Apple’s growing sports slate.

While neither company is publicly disclosing the exact price, multiple outlets report the deal at roughly 140 million dollars per year for five seasons, a significant step up from ESPN’s previous agreement. Money aside, the real story is strategy. Apple gets appointment viewing with a fiercely loyal fan base. F1 gets a technology partner with a track record of product integration and content packaging that can expand reach in the U.S. market.

Apple TV: A new viewing experience

Apple is promising a more dynamic broadcast on Apple TV, tapping into its wider ecosystem to layer in news, stats, and live features. The official announcements emphasize innovation and fan experience, language that hints at fresh on-screen data, cleaner interfaces, and integrated second-screen tools. Expect Apple’s services to play a supporting role, from highlights surfaced in Apple News to live standings in Apple Sports.

What changes for fans in 2026

Here is what U.S. viewers can expect on Apple TV next season.
• Exclusive coverage in the United States on Apple TV for all F1 sessions across the calendar.
• F1 and Apple both signal an emphasis on production tech and distribution polish.
• Reported pricing and packaging details have circulated, but watch for official clarifications on subscription tiers and how F1 TV content slots into Apple’s bundle.

The start line for this deal is well chosen. The 2026 season ushers in a fresh set of regulations, new power unit rules, and renewed manufacturer momentum. Pair a technical reset with a redesigned broadcast and you have a rare chance to reintroduce the sport to casual viewers while rewarding the faithful with deeper coverage. Apple’s earlier success with its F1 feature film only tightens the connection between storytelling and live sport.

The bigger picture for the paddock

For teams and sponsors, a single streaming destination simplifies the pitch to American audiences. For the series, Apple brings distribution discipline, marketing muscle, and a direct line to younger viewers who already live inside streaming ecosystems. If Apple executes, expect cleaner pathways from teaser clips to full races, smarter notifications around qualifying and Sprints, and tighter cross-promotion around U.S. rounds like Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

We still have questions

Two practical topics remain for fans planning their 2026 setup. First, how will existing Formula 1 TV products be handled in the United States under Apple’s umbrella? Second, what pricing Apple TV will choose for full season access, and whether any sessions will be available at no extra cost to draw in new viewers. The initial reporting points to tight Apple TV integration, with further details to follow from the rights holders.

This is not just a handoff of broadcast rights. It is a bet that a technology company can elevate the live race experience with design, data, and distribution. If Apple gets it right, Apple TV F1 2026 could become the template for how premium motorsport is delivered in the streaming era. NASCAR should take note, as currently, fans need access to five different platforms to watch a full season of racing. Check back for an update once pricing is released from Apple TV.