Apple TV is dropping F1 The Movie on December 12, 2025, then launching exclusive Formula 1 racing coverage in March 2026. The tech giant just locked down a five-year broadcasting deal that transforms how Americans watch F1. This marks Apple’s biggest play into live sports yet.
🔥 Quick Facts
- F1 The Movie streams on Apple TV starting Friday, December 12, 2025
- Formula 1 races begin exclusively on Apple TV March 7, 2026 with Australian Grand Prix
- Five-year deal reported at $750 million ($150 million annually) for exclusive U.S. broadcast rights
- highest-grossing sports film with $629 million global box office, surpassing all previous records
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F1 The Movie launches globally on Apple TV this Friday after dominating theaters since June 2025. The film stars Brad Pitt as aging Formula 1 legend Sonny Hayes making a comeback with a struggling team.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton himself, the movie became the highest-grossing sports film ever made. The film surpassed $629 million at the worldwide box office and holds a 97 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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The movie boasts an “A” CinemaScore, making it the biggest opening for an original live-action film in the U.S. in five years and Brad Pitt’s highest-grossing feature to date.
Apple TV Secures Exclusive Formula 1 Broadcasting Rights Starting March 2026
Apple and Formula 1 announced the partnership back in October 17, 2025, becoming the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for all F1 races starting next year. All practice sessions, qualifying, Sprint races, and Grands Prix will stream exclusively on Apple TV.
The Australian Grand Prix on March 7, 2026 marks the beginning of Formula 1’s new era on the platform. Select races and all practice sessions will also be available for free in the Apple TV app throughout the season.
F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s premier content offering, continues through Apple TV subscriptions at no extra cost for existing subscribers.
Apple’s Massive F1 Investment Brings Cross-Ecosystem Integration
| Platform | F1 Coverage Details |
| Apple TV | All races, qualifying, practice sessions (some free) |
| Apple Sports App | Live updates, real-time leaderboards, driver standings |
| Apple News | F1 news, analysis, updates throughout season |
| Apple Music & Fitness+ | F1-themed content and programming |
Apple is integrating Formula 1 across its entire ecosystem rather than isolating it on Apple TV alone. The company creates a comprehensive F1 experience using Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+.
The free Apple Sports app provides live updates for every qualifying session, Sprint, and race with real-time leaderboards and season driver standings visible on iPhone’s Lock Screen and Home Screen.
Why Did Apple Pay $750 Million for F1 Rights When U.S. Viewership Is Exploding?
Apple’s strategic investment makes sense given F1’s explosive growth in American markets. The U.S. fanbase reached 52 million in 2024, doubling previous years as Netflix’s Drive to Survive and celebrity drivers like Lewis Hamilton bring mainstream attention.
The 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey reveals 47 percent of new U.S. F1 fans (those following for five years or less) are aged 18-24, with over 50 percent female. This younger, more diverse audience represents exactly the demographic Apple targets aggressively.
“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.”
— Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services, Apple
What Does This Mean for F1 Fans When ESPN Loses Broadcast Rights This Year?
American Formula 1 fans currently watch races through ESPN’s current broadcast agreement that ends after this year. Starting March 7, 2026, streaming exclusively on Apple TV replaces cable and ESPN broadcasting entirely for U.S. audiences.
The deal guarantees all 24 Grand Prix races available to Apple TV subscribers, representing an unprecedented commitment to comprehensive F1 coverage. Previous U.S. broadcasts on ESPN sometimes relegated races to cable channels or streaming-only options.
The integration between F1 The Movie’s December release and the March 2026 racing launch represents perfect timing. New fans discovering the film over the holidays have just enough time to become hooked before live racing begins in spring 2026.
Watch: F1 The Movie Official Trailer
Watch Brad Pitt’s F1 The Movie trailer before the full film arrives on Apple TV December 12.
Sources
- Apple Newsroom — Official announcement of five-year Formula 1 partnership with comprehensive details
- Formula1.com — Official F1 broadcast deal confirmation and integration plans
- Variety — Box office performance and streaming release information for F1 The Movie
Lee Ann Anderson is a technology journalist specializing in consumer tech, digital innovation, and Silicon Valley trends. With a talent for breaking down complex technical concepts into accessible insights, this skilled journalist keeps readers informed about the gadgets, apps, and breakthroughs shaping our digital future. Her coverage bridges the gap between tech enthusiasts and everyday users.