FOM aims to retain F1 TV for US market regardless of Apple bid

Two streaming options could become available for Formula 1 fans in the United States from 2026 as Apple competes for the rights and Formula One Management looks to continue serving F1 TV, Motorsport.com understands.

The success of F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, has motivated Apple to throw its hat in the ring for the U.S. media rights deal for F1 next year. The film, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, very quickly became Apple’s most successful picture released in theatres. In the first 10 days of its release, it had generated more than $293million at the global box office.

The current U.S. media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2025, and it is thought that Apple is currently in the frontrunning position with its bid to stream races from 2026. According to Business Insider, the bid from the tech giant is worth at least $150million a year for the exclusive rights. While negotiations are ongoing, it is anticipated that the Disney-owned ESPN will not match that offer.

But, even if Apple is successful in securing the media rights deal, Motorsport.com understands that FOM will look to continue F1 TV in the U.S.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Andreas Beil

In addition to its bid for U.S. media rights, the Silicon Valley giant also has a documentary on seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the works. Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the British driver’s “incredible life story” was “very inspiring”. 

“Lewis is very inspiring for me,” Cook told Reuters. “He came from a working-class family. He broke all of the ‘then rules’ about who was going to be driving and who couldn’t drive. Started with a go-kart and now he’s an F1 driver. That’s an incredible life story.

“Fortunately, we’re also doing a documentary on Lewis, and I can’t wait. I can’t wait, because I think it’s the ripple in the pond that will inspire millions of people.”