19 Oct 2025 · Yongho Sports Desk
Key takeaway: Apple will become the exclusive U.S. streaming home for Formula One beginning with the 2026 season under a five‑year agreement, moving F1 firmly into the streaming era.In this article
Why the Deal Matters
- Live sports are migrating to streaming platforms; Apple’s move accelerates that trend.
- F1 viewership growth in the U.S. raises the sport’s media value.
- Apple can integrate coverage across its ecosystem (News, TV app, possible 4K/interactive features).
What’s Included
- Every practice, qualifying, sprint race and Grand Prix via the Apple TV app.
- Select sessions expected to be free; full access likely tied to subscriptions.
- Transition away from traditional cable packages for U.S. audiences.
Risks & Considerations
- Cable‑to‑streaming transition may frustrate some fans lacking access or comfort with apps.
- Rights‑fee inflation could lead to higher subscription costs.
- Apple must deliver superior UX (low latency, multi‑view, data overlays) to justify the switch.
What to Watch Next
- Apple TV subscriber growth & churn once the deal begins.
- Feature set announcements (4K, multi‑camera, stats layers, immersive/AR modes).
- Ripple effects on rights deals across other major leagues.
