Streaming reports concerning Apple's F1 broadcasts cast uncertainty over the future of 'F1 TV' service
Apple's Proposed Deal Could Alter F1 TV's Future in the U.S.
Apple's reported $150 million per year deal to secure exclusive streaming rights for Formula 1 races in the United States starting in 2026 could significantly impact F1 TV's presence in the market.
Currently, Disney’s ESPN holds the U.S. broadcast rights, but the company has indicated it will not match Apple’s substantially higher bid. This suggests that Apple’s entry will shift Formula 1 race streaming away from traditional sports broadcasters and dedicated F1 platforms in the U.S., funneling viewers to Apple TV+ instead.
F1 TV, launched in 2017 by Liberty Media, offers ad-free access to all F1 sessions, team radios, onboard cameras, and non-race programming for $85 per year for U.S. subscribers. The service has gained popularity, with its F1 TV Pro tier available in 92 territories as of last year. In 2024, the F1 TV app was even named the Apple TV App of the Year.
However, the new deal could mark a significant shift in the way F1 is presented to its global audience. The desire to connect directly with fans was a key reason F1 ended its broadcast relationship with NBC. Apple’s acquisition of these rights aligns with its broader strategy to enhance its Apple TV+ sports content, already featuring Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer.
This move likely positions Apple TV+ as the central hub for Formula 1 content in the U.S., which could reduce demand for F1 TV’s standalone streaming service there. However, this change may primarily impact the U.S. market. F1 TV’s availability and role in other regions could continue independently unless similar deals are made with other broadcasters or platforms.
Overall, Apple’s deal suggests a shift toward integration of Formula 1 into Apple’s broader streaming ecosystem, potentially superseding the F1 TV app’s role in the American market starting from the 2026 season. The future of F1 TV remains uncertain due to the potential Apple deal.
People might choose to subscribe to Apple TV+ in the USA instead of F1 TV, given Apple's acquisition of exclusive media rights for Formula 1 races from 2026. This technology-driven move could potentially reduce demand for F1 TV's standalone streaming service in the United States.
