1 day ago
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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.
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.
Apple TV currently costs $12.99 a month, and it is as yet unclear whether that price will change with the arrival of Formula 1 from 2026.
Formula 1 currently has 24 races a season, and 2026 will see an 11th team added to the grid in 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.
