Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Motorsport
Luke Davies
F1 have confirmed a partnership with a broadcaster ahead of the US Grand Prix weekend.
This weekend, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, George Russell and Co. will be aiming for success at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
The McLaren pairing of Piastri and Norris currently lead the Drivers’ Standings, with a chasing pack made up by four-time F1 champion Verstappen and Mercedes driver Russell, with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completing the top six.
And before the weekend's action has even got going, there is huge news in the world of F1.
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Currently, Sky Sports have the TV rights for F1 in the UK while ESPN hold the US rights for the remainder of the 2025 season.
However, things are set to change for US-based fans as on Friday (October 17), F1 announced a five-year partnership with Apple to become the sport’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner from 2026.
As reported by The Athletic, ESPN offered $90million per year to retain the rights, but their bid was bettered by Apple’s offer of $120-150million per year.
Apple TV will host all track sessions next season with the company planning to “amplify the sport” across its many platforms.
“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.
The deal comes following the success of Apple-produced F1 The Movie, which has grossed around $630million since its release back in June.
As per BBC Sport, Apple TV has yet to decide on its commentary arrangements and will likely buy it from F1 TV or Sky Sports.
ESPN’s previous rights deal, which began in 2018, was reportedly worth around $80million.
A 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey found that 47% of new U.S. F1 fans who had been following the sport for five years or less were aged 18-24, with over half being female.
F1 is also widely considered the fastest-growing spectator sport on the planet.
Apple TV already provides coverage of the US Major League Soccer, with the deal heavily influenced by the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in 2023.