Apple in Talks to Acquire U.S. Broadcast Rights for Formula 1

Michael Johnson

"This is huge news! I can't wait to see F1 on Apple TV!"

Emily Carter

"Will Apple be able to outbid ESPN? That could change the game!"

Derrick Williams

"Can’t believe how popular F1 has become in the U.S. What a turnaround!"

Darnell Thompson

"I'm skeptical. Do we really need another streaming service for sports?"

Aisha Al-Farsi

"F1: The Movie was amazing! It definitely drew more fans to the sport."

John McGregor

"Wait, isn’t Netflix already a big player in sports? This is getting interesting!"

Giovanni Rossi

"More competition means better content, right? Bring it on!"

Lian Chen

"What will this mean for ESPN subscribers? Will we need a new subscription?"

Samuel Okafor

"Apple is on a roll with their content lately. Exciting times!"

Sofia Mendes

"Hope they keep the races accessible for everyone. Not everyone has Apple TV."

Jessica Tan

"Can’t wait to see how this rivalry develops! It’s like a race off the track!"

2025-07-09T07:39:32Z

In a significant move within the sports broadcasting arena, Apple Inc. is reportedly in discussions to acquire the U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 when the current contract expires next year. This news, first reported by the Financial Times on Wednesday, comes on the heels of the remarkable success of Apple’s racing film “F1: The Movie,” which has captivated audiences and garnered impressive box office numbers.

According to reports from Variety and other media outlets, “F1: The Movie” has grossed an astounding $293 million in just its first ten days of release. This financial triumph underscores the growing interest in Formula 1, particularly in the United States, a market that has seen a burgeoning fan base over recent years.

Apple is set to challenge the current U.S. broadcaster, ESPN, which is owned by Disney, for the coveted Formula 1 rights, as indicated by sources familiar with the negotiations cited by the Financial Times. This competitive move comes at a time when streaming platforms are aggressively vying for exclusive sports content to attract subscribers.

The surge in popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S. can be attributed in part to Netflix’s successful docuseries, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” The series has played a pivotal role in familiarizing American audiences with the sport, showcasing the behind-the-scenes drama and intense competition that characterize Formula 1 racing. Apple appears poised to leverage this momentum as it seeks to secure broadcast rights.

Moreover, various media outlets reported back in February that Netflix is also in the mix as a contender for the U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula 1 starting in the 2026 season. This marks a critical juncture as ESPN’s exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with Formula 1 has now lapsed, opening the door for other players in the media landscape.

As of now, both Apple and Formula 1 have not responded to requests for comments from Reuters, leaving fans and industry watchers eagerly anticipating further developments in this unfolding story.

Robert Jackson

Source of the news: financialexpress.com

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