Apple TV has signed an exclusive five-year deal to be the broadcaster of Formula 1. Picture: F1
Apple TV has signed an exclusive five-year deal to be the broadcaster of Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026.
The news follows on from the hugely successful F1 The Movie, the Apple Original Film, which was released internationally in cinemas and IMAX venues in June and will make its global streaming debut date on Apple TV on Friday, December 12 2025.
Viewing experience
According to Apple, it will deliver the Formula 1 programming with a “more dynamic and elevated viewing experience,” and both parties expressed optimism that the deal will attract new motorsports fans in America in the years ahead.
F1 said this new broadcast agreement will see Apple TV host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.
“Select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season will also be available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.”
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South Africa?
While the news will be welcomed, it’s unclear whether Apple and F1 will extend the broadcast beyond the US, including South Africa.
Currently, F1 races in South Africa are broadcast on DSTV vis Sky and the F1TV app.
US F1 fans may also miss out on what the F1TV app offers, including F2 and F3 as well as F1 Academy and the Porsche Cup.
F1TV also streams documentaries, panel discussions, and more in an app that has become popular among racing fans, especially in South Africa.
F1 said additional information, including production and product details, and all the ways fans will be able to enjoy F1 content across Apple products and services, will be announced in the coming months.
F1 in the US
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“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.”
Apple
Eddy Cue [Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services Cue said they are “thrilled to expand their relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S.
“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.”
Apple is rebranding the video-streaming service, which launched in 2019 as Apple TV+, to remove the plus sign.
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