Apple Secures $750M Deal for Five Years of US Formula 1 Broadcast Rights

Apple has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 races in the United States for the next five years, starting from 2026, in a landmark deal worth approximately $750 million (£558 million). According to industry sources, the technology giant is paying around $150 million annually for the privilege of bringing high-speed racing to American screens.

The agreement marks Apple's most significant entry into sports broadcasting to date, expanding the tech company's content portfolio beyond its established Apple TV+ and music offerings. Sources familiar with the negotiations emphasized that the deal will cover all Formula 1 events, including the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix and the season-finishing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"This represents a strategic expansion for Apple into live sports entertainment," said media analyst Jennifer Peterson. "With Formula 1's growing popularity in the US and its tech-savvy fanbase, it's a natural fit for their ecosystem."

The partnership comes as streaming platforms increasingly compete for exclusive sports content, following similar moves by companies like Amazon and Netflix. For Formula 1, the deal brings guaranteed broadcast stability in the crucial US market, where viewership has grown 40% over the past three years.

Apple has not yet announced specific plans for how the races will be integrated into its existing services, though industry watchers expect the content to be available through Apple TV+ with potential exclusive behind-the-scenes features and driver interviews.

The agreement begins in 2026, giving both parties time to develop production plans and marketing strategies. For American racing fans, it signals a new era of Formula 1 accessibility through one of the world's most prominent technology platforms.

For more details on this broadcast agreement, read the original report on BBC Sport.