Apple Secures Exclusive Formula 1 Broadcast Rights in $750 Million Deal
CUPERTINO, CA & LONDON, UK – Apple has won exclusive broadcast rights to Formula 1 racing in the United States, beginning in 2025, in a deal valued at $750 million over five years. The agreement marks a significant shift in F1’s US broadcasting landscape, ending its relationship with ESPN, which previously paid approximately $80 million annually for the rights.
The partnership will see F1 content amplified across Apple’s platforms, including News, Maps, Music, Sports, and Fitness+. While details are still being finalized, Apple will initially leverage existing commentary feeds, likely sourcing from F1 TV or Sky UK, rather than producing its own. The popular Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive will remain unaffected by the change.
A key factor in securing the deal was the success of the recent F1 feature film starring Brad Pitt. The movie has grossed approximately $630 million (£470m) worldwide, becoming both the highest-grossing sports film ever and Pitt’s biggest box office hit to date.
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximize our growth potential in the US with the right content and innovative distribution channels,” stated Formula 1 Chairman stefano domenicali.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, emphasized the company’s long-term vision for the partnership. “We looked forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can,” Cue said. He added, “We didn’t get into this (just) for five years. We did it because we think it can be huge and we’re going to want to do this for many years after.”
F1 has experienced significant growth in the US market in recent years, and Apple believes there is significant potential for further expansion. Domenicali indicated that if the US partnership proves prosperous, similar deals in other countries could be explored. ”We have to do the right things in this market and if it works and there are opportunities elsewhere, why not?” he said.
