Apple has secured a new role as the exclusive broadcaster for Formula 1 in the United States, following the announcement of a substantial $140 million annual agreement. This deal reflects the sport’s rising popularity across the nation.

Unveiled during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, this groundbreaking five-year contract signifies a notable increase from ESPN’s former $90 million yearly arrangement. The partnership is set to commence in 2026, coinciding with significant changes to the sport’s technical regulations.

Since 2018, ESPN has been the home of F1 in America, witnessing a surge in viewership spurred by the pandemic and the enthusiasm generated by the series “Drive to Survive.”

Recently, Disney-owned ESPN has seen its race broadcasts attract an average of 1.4 million viewers. A representative from ESPN expressed pride in their collaboration with Formula 1, stating, “We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.”

In recent months, races have averaged around 1.4 million viewers on the Disney-owned channel, and in a statement, an ESPN spokesperson said: ‘We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.’

While increasingly popular with its viewers, ESPN does not broadcast from the races, instead using the feed from Sky Sports UK and simulcasting it to its American audience.

Lewis Hamilton, who now drives for Ferrari, speaks to the media in Austin, Texas this week

Apple already had one foot in the door with F1 after making the popular movie earlier this year

Viewers in America also currently have the option of subscribing directly to F1TV’s coverage of the races, but it is understood Apple’s deal will put an end to that. 

The bombshell, big-money deal is just Apple’s latest foray into sports, and they already hold the rights to Major League Soccer and MLB’s ‘Friday Night Baseball’.

Apple has a history with Formula 1 after the company’s Original Films produced the Hollywood blockbuster ‘F1: The Movie’ starring Brad Pitt, which was released earlier this year.

It quickly became the most successful sports movie in history, grossing $630 million at the box office and proving the ever-growing popularity of F1 in America.

In a statement, F1’s CEO and President Stefano Domenicali 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.’

It is understood that F1 TV’s current Premium package will be included in Apple TV’s regular $12.99-a-month subscription from 2026 at no extra cost.

Formula 1 currently has 24 races a season, and 2026 will see an 11th team added to the grid with America’s Cadillac F1.

With Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its two drivers, the new General Motors team will add further intrigue to American viewers, joining MoneyGram Haas F1 to become the second US team on the grid.

Haas currently sits ninth of 10 teams in F1, and it is expected that Cadillac will bring up the rear of the field when it first joins the sport in March next year.