How ESPN Boosted F1’s US Popularity and What Apple Will Take Over in 2026

Apple wins exclusive US Formula 1 streaming rights from 2026, signing a five-year deal that displaces ESPN after seven seasons, underscoring the championship’s surging value in a growing American market.

ESPN’s coverage since 2018 more than doubles average audiences, reaching about 1.3 million per race in recent seasons.

The new contract reportedly commands around $140 million annually, exceeding ESPN’s latest arrangement, which grew from an initial rights-free agreement to near $90 million per year.

Liberty Media’s ownership reshapes F1’s US reach, prioritising digital access, social media, and calendar expansion, positioning the series for broader engagement beyond its European stronghold.

Follower counts across official channels surge from under 20 million in 2018 to well over 100 million, drawing younger fans and deepening race-week narratives.

Netflix’s Drive to Survive accelerates that momentum, converting casual curiosity into sustained interest by spotlighting driver rivalries and team politics, despite occasional disputes over creative licence.

Apple’s entry signals a technology-led production shift, leveraging centralised workflows, new camera perspectives, and potential virtual reality options to differentiate the broadcast experience.

Eddy Cue frames the partnership as a platform to elevate quality globally, while consolidating Apple’s sports portfolio alongside Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.

The demographic profile strengthens the business case. US F1 fans typically show high disposable incomes, aligning with luxury sponsors that value targeted, premium inventory.

For ESPN, the loss follows a period of meaningful growth. Its production approach, marketing support, and accessibility help normalise F1 as a mainstream US property.

However, escalating rights fees reshape the calculus. Apple’s scale enables higher upfront commitments, backed by subscription economics and cross-platform promotion.

Critical execution risks remain. Pricing, discoverability, and blackout policies will influence adoption, especially among newer fans conditioned by cable carriage and simulcasts.

F1’s event schedule in the US continues expanding, anchoring interest with marquee races while cultivating regional storylines that sustain engagement between grands prix.

The 2026 handover gives Apple two seasons to build product features, partnerships, and audience education, minimising churn during the platform transition.

If Apple maintains accessibility and production depth, the US audience should continue rising, consolidating F1’s position as a premium, technology-forward global sport.

Visual Summary

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.