How Will Apple and F1’s New Media Deal Change the Sport?
Formula 1 has always been about precision, speed, and cutting-edge innovation, but now, the revolution is happening off the track. Apple has just announced a five-year, $700 million deal, giving the sport exclusive rights to stream every U.S. race starting in 2026. This means that all races, from practice sessions to Grand Prix, will stream on Apple TV. The company is paying almost $140 million per year, surpassing ESPN’s previous deal, and offering real-time updates, leaderboard stats, and many new interactive features. With improved streaming, exclusive coverage, and innovative tech features, this move could reshape F1’s culture, fan engagement, and race weekends, making the future of the sport more interactive and exciting than ever.
Apple’s deal isn’t just changing how fans watch F1; it’s shaking up the sport itself, affecting the teams and drivers. With telemetry and strategy data now visible to the public, fans will get front-row seats to every pit stop, tire choice, and decision. Teams might feel more pressure to perform perfectly, knowing that millions of eyes are watching their every move in real time. The global exposure from this deal will also open up new sponsorship opportunities, especially for smaller teams looking to boost their visibility. These changes may influence how drivers train, strategize, and interact with fans and the media.
Race weekends are also likely to evolve under Apple’s digital-first approach. Sprints and qualifying sessions could become even more exciting, with fans able to follow tire wear, lap times, and team radio in real-time. Between races, Apple could offer behind-the-scenes content, driver interviews, and interactive analytics, which would create a constant narrative throughout the weekend. Tracks that offer more visually stunning or technically challenging layouts could get more attention, which could influence how future circuits are added to the calendar. The added interactivity could also raise fans' expectations, pushing drivers and teams to deliver the best performances possible.
Apple’s $700 million deal isn’t just about streaming. It could completely change Formula 1 as a sport. From the technical precision on the track to the fan experience in living rooms worldwide, F1 is entering an era of interactive engagement and visibility. While some fans may worry about subscriptions or accessibility, the potential to promote the sport’s visibility and cultural impact is huge. Come 2026, Formula 1 will no longer just be a sport to watch; it will be a sport to experience.