Apple is weighing a bold move into the organizational side of Formula 1 racing, aiming to secure substantial investments in the sport with the goal of obtaining exclusive broadcast rights for various race stages. This thrust comes as reported by The 9to5Mac, which cites information from the industry magazine Business F1. The proposed plan would place Apple at the center of Formula 1’s media ecosystem, potentially reshaping how fans experience the sport while expanding Apple’s video ecosystem and subscriber base.
Industry sources suggest that Apple could be prepared to commit as much as two billion dollars per year to Formula 1. The strategy centers on establishing Apple as a primary partner for the world championship, delivering regular investments and presenting the races through Apple TV+ as a central home for live coverage and related programming. The aim would be to attract a significantly larger audience to Apple TV+ by offering exclusive or premier access to Formula 1 content, complementing the platform’s existing catalog with the energy and drama of top-tier motorsport.
However, Business F1 cautions that even if talks between Formula 1 management and Apple advance, this development would not instantly translate into a season where every race is shown exclusively on Apple TV+. The reality is that Formula 1 holds multiple media agreements that are currently in place and scheduled to run through existing terms, delaying any immediate changes. In other words, the sport’s broadcast landscape would likely evolve gradually as existing deals wind down and new arrangements are negotiated.
In the United States, Formula 1’s current exclusive deal with ESPN is slated to expire in 2025. Business F1 reports that Apple is positioning itself as the next major media partner for the sport in the U.S., with the ambition to secure exclusive rights for a multi-year horizon. If realized, this shift could transform viewing options for U.S. fans, potentially concentrating F1 content within Apple’s ecosystem and expanding the reach of Formula 1 to a broader audience through a familiar streaming platform. The implications extend beyond mere rights, potentially influencing production quality, ancillary programming, and on-demand access for subscribers in North America.
The broader context for such negotiations includes Apple’s ongoing strategy to fortify its position in live sports and premium entertainment. A move into Formula 1 would align with a trend where tech platforms leverage live events to boost engagement, retention, and cross-service subscriptions. If the partnership comes to fruition, Apple would be judged not only on rights fees but also on how effectively it can blend live race experiences with in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive features that resonate with motorsport enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The potential for cross-promo opportunities with Apple’s other services could amplify the appeal of both Formula 1 and the broader Apple ecosystem.
At the same time, observers note that a transition of this magnitude would involve careful scheduling, rights management, and regional negotiations. The next steps would likely include phased details about which races would be included in the exclusive package, how regional feeds would be handled, and what supplementary content — such as race day shows, interviews, and documentary-style features — would accompany the core live broadcasts. For fans and investors, the evolving talks represent a watershed moment that could redefine how prestige sports properties collaborate with major tech platforms while testing the boundaries of streaming economics, live event production, and consumer willingness to pay for bundled, premium access. The outcome remains contingent on regulatory approvals, partner alignment, and the ability to deliver a compelling, high-quality viewing experience across devices and environments.
Ultimately, Apple’s exploration of a Formula 1 partnership underscores a broader shift in the media landscape where technology companies increasingly compete for exclusive sports rights. If Apple succeeds in securing a multi-year, exclusive arrangement in the United States and expands its involvement globally, the impact could extend well beyond a single sport. It could set a precedent for how streaming platforms integrate live sports into their core offerings, drive innovation in viewer engagement, and redefine the economics of broadcast rights in a highly competitive market.