Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said: “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the US 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.”
The agreement is solely for US rights, but the global spread of Apple device users has already generated speculation that it could be a first step to acquiring broadcast rights around the world.
Sky Sports currently holds exclusive Formula 1 broadcast rights in Britain until 2029, distributing coverage via both linear TV and its digital platforms.
If Apple decides to expand its footprint, the Sky contract could become a key battleground in the next major rights cycle – particularly if streaming continues to erode the dominance of traditional broadcasters.
The partnership underscores how the battle for live sports rights is increasingly being fought between traditional broadcasters and deep-pocketed tech platforms like Apple.
For Formula 1, Apple offers a gateway to younger and more diverse audiences.
According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, 47% of new American fans are aged 18 to 24, and more than half are women.
For the UK – long one of Formula 1’s most important markets – Apple’s entry into the rights race would represent a major shift.
If the US deal proves a success, Sky’s current exclusivity may not be guaranteed beyond 2029.
Additional details on production plans and fan experiences across Apple’s platforms will be revealed ahead of the 2026 season.