Apple takes the chequered flag for Formula 1 rights in the U.S. as Aussie fans left waiting on Foxtel decision

Apple has secured an exclusive five-year partnership to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States, marking a major shift for the sport’s global media landscape — but Australian fans are still in limbo over where they’ll be watching the world’s fastest show on wheels from 2027.

Announced during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the deal will see Apple pay around $140 million US a year to air every race, practice, qualifying and sprint session exclusively through Apple TV starting in 2026. The figure represents a hefty increase from ESPN’s current $90 million-a-year arrangement, which expires at the end of next season.

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The U.S. deal builds on Apple’s deepening relationship with Formula 1, following the box-office success of Apple Original Films’ F1: The Movie, which the company says has become the highest-grossing sports movie of all time. The move cements Apple’s ambitions in live sports streaming as it pushes further into major global entertainment markets.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,”
said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services.

“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.”

Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali described the partnership as an “incredibly exciting” opportunity to expand the sport’s footprint across the U.S., saying Apple and F1 share “a vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked.”

While American audiences prepare for a major shake-up, Australian viewers remain in the dark about what will happen when local broadcast rights come up for renewal in 2027.

Industry insiders suggest Foxtel is still in pole position to retain the Australian rights through its Kayo platform, despite competition from Stan Sport. Reports earlier this year indicated Foxtel is expected to pay around $60 million annually from 2027 — up from the current $45 million — to keep the coverage on its streaming platforms.

The sport is now commanding an increased dedicated following fuelled by the success of homegrown star Oscar Piastri.

While Apple’s deal does include Australian rights, its entry into live motorsport marks another turning point for global streaming competition — and it adds pressure on local broadcasters to secure their share of the rapidly growing F1 audience.

Formula 1 will begin streaming exclusively on Apple TV in the United States from 2026, while the Australian broadcast partner for the 2027 season and beyond is yet to be officially confirmed.

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