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Apple Inc. Has reportedly placed a bid worth at least $150 million per year to secure the exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1 races starting in 2026, according to Business Insider, citing a source familiar with the negotiations.
The tech giant is emerging as the frontrunner in the bidding war, with Business Insider reporting that Walt Disney’s ESPN — the current holder of U.S. broadcasting rights — will not attempt to match or exceed Apple’s offer. That decision effectively clears the path for Apple to take control of one of the most sought-after sports properties in the U.S. streaming market.
ESPN’s current deal to broadcast Formula 1 runs through the end of the 2025 season. However, Reuters previously reported in February that ESPN’s exclusive window to renegotiate a new contract with Formula 1 had expired. That opened the door for other potential bidders, with Apple now taking the lead.
Neither Apple nor Formula 1’s parent company, Liberty Media, have commented on the negotiations. Apple declined a request for comment from Reuters, while Formula 1 and Liberty Media did not immediately respond.
This aggressive bid highlights Apple’s growing investment in sports media and entertainment. It also comes on the heels of the success of “F1: The Movie” — an Apple-backed film starring Brad Pitt — which has already grossed over $300 million globally as of Friday, according to Box Office Mojo, a data service from IMDb.
If the deal goes through, it would mark another major sports acquisition for Apple as it continues to expand its streaming presence. The company has already entered the sports world through partnerships involving Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball, but Formula 1 represents a different level of international appeal and high-stakes broadcasting potential.
With Formula 1’s U.S. audience steadily growing thanks to events in cities like Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, the rights are considered among the most valuable in sports streaming. Apple’s deep pockets and strategic focus on premium content give it a significant edge in reshaping how American viewers access the high-speed, high-tech world of Formula 1 racing.
The outcome of this deal could mark a turning point in both sports streaming and the broader competition between tech companies and traditional broadcasters for premier content. As of now, all signs point to Apple taking the checkered flag.
