Formula 1 has a new home in America, after Apple announced it has agreed a new $140million-a-year deal to broadcast the increasingly-popular sport.
The landmark five-year deal, revealed on Friday morning at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, will see Apple pay significantly more than ESPN’s previous $90m-a-year contract.
Apple’s deal begins in 2026, at the same time as a huge shake-up to the technical regulations which are set to turn the sport on its head.
ESPN has been broadcasting F1 since 2018 and enjoyed a huge boost to its ratings in the wake of Covid and the popularity of Drive to Survive.
In recent months, races have averaged around 1.4 million viewers on the Disney-owned channel, and in a statement, an ESPN spokesperson said: ‘We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future.’
While increasingly popular with its viewers, ESPN does not broadcast from the races, instead using the feed from Sky Sports UK and simulcasting it to its American audience.
Lewis Hamilton, who now drives for Ferrari, speaks to the media in Austin, Texas this week
Apple already had one foot in the door with F1 after making the popular movie earlier this year
Viewers in America also currently have the option of subscribing directly to F1TV’s coverage of the races, but it is understood Apple’s deal will put an end to that.
The bombshell, big-money deal is just Apple’s latest foray into sports, and they already hold the rights to Major League Soccer and MLB’s ‘Friday Night Baseball’.
Apple has a history with Formula 1 after the company’s Original Films produced the Hollywood blockbuster ‘F1: The Movie’ starring Brad Pitt, which was released earlier this year.
It quickly became the most successful sports movie in history, grossing $630 million at the box office and proving the ever-growing popularity of F1 in America.
In a statement, F1’s CEO and President Stefano Domenicali said: ‘This is an incredibly exciting partnership for both Formula 1 and Apple that will ensure we can continue to maximise our growth potential in the U.S. with the right content and innovative distribution channels.
‘We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world. We have a shared 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.
‘I want to thank Tim Cook, Eddy Cue, and the entire Apple team for their vision, enthusiasm and passionate approach to delivering this partnership, and we are looking forward to the next five years together.’
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, added: ‘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.
‘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.’
It is understood that F1 TV’s current Premium package will be included in Apple TV’s regular $12.99-a-month subscription from 2026 at no extra cost.
Formula 1 currently has 24 races a season, and 2026 will see an 11th team added to the grid with America’s Cadillac F1.
With Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its two drivers, the new General Motors team will add further intrigue to American viewers, joining MoneyGram Haas F1 to become the second US team on the grid.
Haas currently sits ninth of 10 teams in F1, and it is expected that Cadillac will bring up the rear of the field when it first joins the sport in March next year.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .