F1 Expects Apple to Pursue Broadcast Rights Beyond the US

Formula 1 expects Apple to consider broadcast opportunities outside the United States, although the championship will continue to pursue media deals market by market rather than rely on one worldwide partner. The comments came from Stefano Domenicali as Apple TV’s US partnership begins its first year.

The five-year agreement makes Apple TV the exclusive platform for every F1 race shown to US customers. Domenicali said the arrangement offers F1 a significant opportunity to reach American viewers aged 18 to 24. He also indicated that Apple could enter other markets when suitable rights become available.

For viewers in the United States, our Apple TV guide to the 2026 United States Grand Prix covers the platform’s race coverage. We also explain how to watch the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix on Apple TV.

F1 wants competition without a single global broadcaster

Domenicali’s position leaves room for Apple to bid abroad, but does not signal a plan to give the company worldwide rights. F1 intends to seek the strongest opportunity in each territory, with broadcasters competing for deals as they come up.

That prospect is welcome to Liberty Media, F1’s parent company. President Derek Chang said Apple had delivered as expected and, in some respects, exceeded expectations during the partnership’s opening period. He described the Apple and F1 brands as complementary and said the product had performed better than anticipated.

Chang added that Apple’s potential presence in future bidding rounds could help even if it does not ultimately win a particular territory’s contract. More bidders, he said, can strengthen demand for the available rights.

Existing deals leave different markets on separate timelines

Several major broadcast agreements already extend well into the future. In May 2026, F1 extended its UK and Ireland deal with Sky for five years, while Sky Italia’s contract runs through 2032. BeIN Sports’ Asian agreement lasts until the end of 2030; its Middle East, North Africa and Turkey rights run through 2033.

DAZN holds rights in Spain, Andorra and Portugal through 2030, while Viaplay’s Netherlands and Nordic contract runs until the end of 2029. Those differing expiry dates mean any expansion by Apple would depend on when individual markets open for bidding.

Domenicali also reported continued growth in global television audiences in the third quarter, with the Italian and Dutch events among those recording double-digit percentage increases.