Apple TV will be the only place to watch F1 in the US, starting next year

1 day ago 3

Terrence O'Brien

is the Verge’s weekend editor. He has over 18 years of experience, including 10 years as managing editor at Engadget.

Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year partnership today that will bring the races exclusively to Apple TV in the US, starting in 2026, when it will replace the series’ current deal with ESPN.

Apple:

Apple TV will deliver comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, with all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix available to Apple TV subscribers. Select races and all practice sessions will also be available for free in the Apple TV app throughout the course of the season.

In addition to broadcasting Formula 1 on Apple TV, Apple will amplify the sport across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+. Apple Sports — the free app for iPhone — will feature live updates for every qualifying, Sprint, and race for each Grand Prix across the season, with real-time leaderboards, season driver and constructor standings, Live Activities to follow on the Lock Screen, and a designated widget for the iPhone Home Screen.

This also means that F1 TV Premium, the dedicated streaming service offered by the series, will not be available anymore as a standalone $16.99 per month product in the US. Instead, it will be included as part of the Apple TV subscription, which is currently priced at $12.99 per month. Apple reportedly is paying $140 million a year to lock down the rights in the US, according to CNBC.

Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, points out in a press release that the league and Apple are “no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie.” That film was a huge success, and the highest grossing sports movie of all time, topping $629 million. Domenicali is clearly hoping that some of that magic to the real thing. In a press release, Apple’s Eddy Cue said, “…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.”

There are still some details that have yet to be announced, including how Apple plans to “amplify” F1 content across its apps, but we should find out more in the coming months.

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