F1 TV vs. Apple TV: A Streaming Shake-Up in the U.S.

Formula One Presenters

Apple is reportedly set to acquire Formula 1’s U.S. streaming rights in a deal worth around $140 million, marking a major shift from ESPN, which currently pays $90 million and will continue as the main broadcaster through the end of the 2025 season.

The move ties neatly into Apple’s growing relationship with the sport, following its involvement in “F1: The Movie,” which premiered earlier this year. Sources suggest the official announcement could drop during this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.

A key sticking point in negotiations appears to be exclusivity: Apple reportedly wants to mirror Sky Sports’ U.K. model, pushing for all F1 content to move solely to Apple TV+, cutting off access through F1 TV in the U.S.

If finalized, fans would need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch live races, effectively ending direct F1 TV access for American viewers.

However, Formula 1 itself isn’t keen on pulling the plug on its in-house platform. The sport wants to keep F1 TV active globally, even if certain territories end up under exclusive broadcast deals.

In the U.K., things would remain unchanged. Sky Sports would retain broadcasting rights, while F1 TV would continue as a standalone service, offering live races, qualifying sessions, and practices, with F1 TV Premium still delivering its enhanced features for diehard fans.

If Apple’s deal goes through, it would be another sign that big tech is tightening its grip on live sports. For U.S. viewers, the shift could mean higher costs and fewer viewing options, but also a potentially sleeker streaming experience.

Still, it raises the same question that’s been circling around modern sports broadcasting: is exclusivity good for the sport, or just good for business?

By Adriana Costa