ESPN has issued a statement after the confirmation that Apple TV has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States from 2026 with a five-year deal.
The Disney-owned broadcaster acquired the broadcasting rights to F1 in the US in 2018 after previously broadcasting the series from 1984 to 1997. With its current contract expiring at the end of 2025, the door opened for other interested parties to engage in negotiations to take on the broadcasting rights, and while figures have not been confirmed, Motorsport.com understands that Apple's deal is worth more than $140million per year. In comparison, ESPN has reportedly been paying $90million per year since 2023.
