By Alan Baldwin

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) -Apple’s five-year deal for Formula One’s U.S. broadcast rights, announced on Friday, gives both brands a major opportunity for growth in new directions and could ultimately lead to something bigger.

The agreement, with Apple replacing Walt Disney’s ESPN from 2026, will see Apple TV host all live action from grand prix weekends and has the potential to bring more people to Formula One through mobiles and apps.

Select races, and all practice sessions, will be freely available in the Apple TV app. Apple TV subscribers can also access Liberty Media-owned Formula One’s premium content without extra cost.

No details were given of how much Apple paid to add F1 to Major League Baseball and soccer in their existing sports offering.

“Thanks to Apple we a

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