Apple has pushed to broaden its Formula 1 streaming reach beyond the United States, but Sky Sports’ recent early renewals have put a lid on that ambition. On May 6, Sky and Formula 1 confirmed that the broadcaster will stay the sport’s exclusive live partner in the UK and Ireland through 2034 and in Italy through 2032. The extension builds on a deal already running to 2029, leaving Apple’s European expansion on hold.

Sky secured the rights before they went to open tender, reportedly paying around £200 million (≈$270 million) per season for the UK and Ireland slot, while the entire package may exceed £1 billion (≈$1.34 billion). The deal follows comments from Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, who said clinching U.S. rights first was the best strategy and that expansion into other markets was a future goal.

Apple’s five‑year U.S. deal began in 2026 and the company has already integrated Formula 1 content across Apple TV, Apple Sports, Apple Maps, and Apple Music. With Sky locking down the biggest European markets, Apple must look elsewhere for growth, potentially eyeing France’s Canal Plus rights that run only to 2029 or other untapped regions.