Apple TV and Formula 1: Historic Deal for Exclusive Broadcasting

The American giant Apple and Formula 1 have signed a historic agreement during the Austin Gp weekend.
Starting from 2026, all races of the season will be broadcast on Apple TV. Along with exclusive content and dedicated features. The five-year deal marks a major step toward the full digitalization of the championship.

In its initial phase, the service will be available only in the United States and restricted to Apple device owners. This for focusing on an exclusive distribution model that could later expand to other countries.

Read Also: F1 2026: will the cars be slower?

This collaboration further strengthens the bond between Apple and Formula 1, following the success of “F1 The Movie”, released last summer.
The film, which grossed around $360 million worldwide, starred Brad Pitt as a former F1 driver returning to the grid after years of absence. It sparked both controversy and widespread praise, reigniting global attention around the top tier of motorsport.

Deal presented in conjunction with the Austin GP

This announcement came right in time for the United States Grand Prix, held in Austin this weekend.
The Texas circuit is one of the most followed motorsport events in America. A competition that, while not overshadowing the country’s deep love for NASCAR, continues to attract a growing audience.

During the 2024 Grand Prix weekend, attendance reached around 400,000 spectators, confirming that Formula 1 is strengthening its foothold in the U.S. market and recognizing the country’s crucial role in the sport’s global growth, despite its European origins.

A New Audience Drives Apple TV Entry into Formula 1

Apple’s approach to Formula 1 is also driven by a new generation of fans who have recently embraced this world.
According to several statistics, 47% of people who have been following F1 for less than five years are aged between 18 and 24, and about half of them are women.

This figure highlights how Formula 1 is becoming increasingly inclusive and diverse, successfully engaging female fans in an environment that, for decades, was perceived as predominantly male.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s Statement

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, commented the deal, emphasizing its strategic importance for the sport’s future:

“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple TV that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. All this 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. We are looking forward to the next five years together.”

Domenicali’s words highlight a shared goal between Apple and Formula 1, to expand the sport’s American fanbase through innovation, consistency, and high-quality content.

Eddy Cue’s Statement

Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“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.”

Cue underlined how 2026 represents a transformative era for Formula 1, not only for its new teams, regulations, and cars, but also for the way fans will experience the sport through digital platforms. Firts of all during the Austin Gp this weekend