With Apple reportedly close to securing Formula 1 streaming rights in a $150M deal, fans are questioning what happens to F1TV subscriptions post-2026. Currently available through ESPN, the platform’s future remains uncertain as Apple prepares to potentially dominate U.S. broadcasts.
The shift could mark the end of standalone F1TV access in America, folding coverage into Apple TV+ alongside MLS and baseball. While international viewers may retain direct access, U.S. subscribers face possible migration to Apple’s ecosystem when ESPN’s contract expires.
This comes as Formula 1’s popularity surges stateside, fueled by Apple’s Brad Pitt film and Netflix’s Drive to Survive. Fans await clarity on whether their existing subscriptions will convert or require new Apple TV+ bundles for race coverage.
- Apple is poised to take over F1 broadcasting rights in the U.S. with a $150 million/year bid, potentially ending ESPN’s current $85 million deal, leaving F1TV’s future uncertain for existing subscribers.
- The success of Apple’s F1 movie and muted competition from other streamers like Netflix has strengthened Apple’s position as the frontrunner for exclusive F1 streaming rights starting in 2026.
- With ESPN unlikely to match Apple’s offer and F1TV Pro’s accessibility potentially changing under new ownership, fans may face a subscription overhaul when the transition occurs.
Will Apple’s F1 Streaming Deal Kill ESPN’s Coverage?
Recent reports suggest Apple’s $150M-$200M annual bid for Formula 1 U.S. media rights dwarfs ESPN’s current $85M-$90M deal. While ESPN provides broader reach through cable networks, Apple’s financial muscle and streaming expertise position it as the frontrunner to replace ESPN as F1’s primary U.S. broadcaster after 2026.
Disney executives reportedly face an uphill battle convincing Liberty Media to accept ESPN’s lower bid for reach over revenue. Industry analysts note this mirrors Apple’s aggressive sports strategy following its landmark MLS deal.
What ESPN Loses If They’re Outbid
- Sunday morning premium live sports content
- Access to F1’s younger, tech-savvy demographic
- Advertising revenue from global racing events
Can I Still Use F1 TV If Apple Gets the Rights?
Surprisingly, sources indicate F1 TV may continue operating alongside Apple’s coverage with full race replays and onboard cameras. This creates an unusual scenario where F1 would compete with its own broadcaster for viewers.
The arrangement contradicts Apple’s typical exclusivity strategy seen with MLS Season Pass. Experts speculate this could mean F1 negotiated special terms to protect its direct-to-consumer platform.
Potential F1 TV Changes
| Feature | Current | Post-2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Live Races | Yes | Maybe region-blocked |
| Onboard Cams | All cars | Likely unchanged |
| Pit Lane Channel | Yes | Depends on Apple |
| Historical Archives | Full access | Possible restrictions |
How Much Will Apple Charge for F1 Streaming?
While pricing remains unconfirmed, industry patterns suggest three likely scenarios:
- Standalone F1 package at $12.99/month
- Bundled with Apple TV+ at $19.99/month
- Premium tier with 4K HDR and exclusive content
Apple’s MLS deal offers clues – their $99 annual Season Pass attracted 1 million subscribers in year one. A similar model for F1 could prove profitable while undercutting traditional pay-TV prices.
What Happens to My Old F1 TV Subscription?
Three possible outcomes emerge for existing subscribers:
- Grandfathered plans: Current users keep access at original pricing
- Migrated accounts: Seamless transition to Apple’s platform with data transfer
- Dual subscriptions: Separate payments for Apple’s live races and F1 TV archives
Best Preparation Steps Before 2026
- Download your favorite race replays now
- Note login credentials for potential migration
- Monitor F1’s official communications
- Compare pricing when Apple announces details
Will Netflix Still Make Formula 1 Content for Drive to Survive?
Despite losing streaming rights bids, Netflix will likely continue its acclaimed documentary series. The show’s behind-the-scenes access operates under separate agreements, unaffected by live broadcast deals.
However, Apple may launch competing original programming like:
- Team principal interviews
- Race weekend tech breakdowns
- Historical championship retrospectives
Could ESPN Keep Some F1 Races Through Sub-Licensing?
History shows major networks sometimes sub-license select events when overwhelmed by tech giants. ESPN might negotiate for:
- Key North American races (Miami, Austin, Vegas)
- Saturday sprint events
- Practice/qualifying coverage
This hybrid model helped maintain exposure when WWE moved to streaming while keeping some content on linear TV. However, Apple’s full control approach with MLS suggests they may reject such compromises.
If Apple takes over F1TV, they better not mess with the pricing. ESPN was already overcharging, and now we might get another streaming service to pay for 🤑. Liberty Media just cashing in on the hype.
Exactly! And don’t even get me started on regional blackouts. Apple better not pull that nonsense.
Honestly, Apple’s deep pockets could mean better production quality. ESPN’s coverage was so barebones it hurt. Maybe we’ll finally get 4K streams? 🤞
This is just another move to fragment sports streaming. First MLS, now F1? Next thing you know, we’ll need 5 different subscriptions just to watch motorsports.
Plus, Apple’s app is buggy as hell. Imagine trying to watch Lap 50 of Monaco and the stream crashes.
The real question is what happens to existing F1TV subs. If they force a migration to Apple TV+, I’m out. Not dealing with another platform switch.
Same. I barely tolerate F1TV’s janky UI as is. At least it’s dedicated to racing.
Everyone’s complaining, but admit it—Apple’s bid proves F1’s growing in the US. $200M/year ain’t chump change. The sport’s finally getting respect here 🏎️