Apple wants the real Formula 1 after the success of its blockbuster F1 film
Following the worldwide success of its Formula 1-themed movie, Apple Inc. is reportedly setting its sights on acquiring the real thing—by bidding for the broadcasting rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship in the United States. The American tech giant is said to be preparing to challenge current rights holder Disney, which currently airs F1 through its ESPN network, in an ambitious bid that could reshape the landscape of sports streaming in the country.
The strategic interest comes in the wake of the box office triumph of the film “F1”, a high-profile production by Apple Original Films featuring Hollywood star Brad Pitt. The movie grossed over 300 million U.S. dollars globally, including a staggering 55.6 million dollars in its opening weekend in North America alone. According to a report by the Financial Times, the film’s success surpassed internal expectations and clearly demonstrated the growing appeal of Formula 1 racing among the American audience—especially among younger streaming-savvy demographics.
F1 broadcasting rights in the United States: Apple enters the race
At the moment, the exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the U.S. are held by ESPN, a sports network under the Disney umbrella. The current contract, reportedly worth approximately 80 million U.S. dollars per year, is set to expire at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Liberty Media, the U.S.-based media company that owns Formula 1, is now seeking to negotiate a significantly more lucrative agreement for the next rights cycle. Estimates suggest Liberty is targeting annual revenues exceeding 112 million dollars for the U.S. market alone, buoyed by the sport’s surging popularity in the region.
Alongside Apple, other major players such as Netflix are also rumored to be preparing bids. Netflix has played a key role in popularizing Formula 1 in the U.S. through its docuseries Drive to Survive, which has been widely credited with introducing the sport to a new, younger fanbase. The streaming platform has also recently shown growing interest in entering the live sports broadcasting market, having invested in live events like the WWE, and could pose a formidable challenge in the upcoming negotiations.
Apple’s long-term strategy for Formula 1 streaming rights
For Apple, Formula 1 represents not just a potential broadcasting deal, but a strategic opportunity to significantly expand its Apple TV+ streaming platform into the live sports domain. Apple has already made moves in this direction, securing streaming rights for Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2022 and for Major League Soccer (MLS) shortly thereafter. Adding Formula 1 to its sports offering would mark a major leap forward, giving the Cupertino-based company access to a global fanbase and one of the fastest-growing sports in terms of digital engagement.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Apple has expressed interest in Formula 1’s broadcasting rights. Back in 2023, reports emerged suggesting that Apple was exploring a long-term, global streaming deal for Formula 1, potentially valued at a staggering 2 billion U.S. dollars per year. That offer reportedly included a proposed seven-year contract that would grant Apple exclusive global streaming rights starting in 2029, once current broadcasting agreements with regional partners—such as Sky Italia’s deal valid through 2027—have expired.
While those ambitious plans may still be in motion, Apple appears to be considering a more pragmatic, step-by-step approach for now. Starting with the U.S. market—where no regional restrictions would block immediate action—makes strategic sense, especially as the company evaluates its positioning against streaming rivals.
Challenges and obstacles in the battle for Formula 1 TV rights
Apple’s path to securing the U.S. streaming rights to Formula 1 is far from guaranteed. The competition is fierce, with heavyweight contenders like Disney and Netflix well-entrenched in the sports and entertainment streaming market. Both companies have deep pockets, robust infrastructures, and extensive experience in sports media. Their involvement makes the ongoing negotiations with Liberty Media particularly complex.
In addition, Apple’s relationship with Liberty Media has not always been smooth. During the promotional campaign for the “F1” movie, there were reported tensions between Apple and Formula 1’s management, stemming from criticism over how the film was marketed. These strained relations could influence the outcome of the current negotiations.
Furthermore, existing contracts with local broadcasters across various countries currently prevent the immediate possibility of a comprehensive, global streaming deal. Apple is therefore believed to be pursuing a phased strategy—targeting available markets like the United States first, while laying the groundwork for potential global expansion once regional deals expire.
The potential impact of an Apple-F1 deal on the sports streaming industry
If Apple were to secure the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States starting with the 2026 season, it would represent a seismic shift in the global sports streaming landscape. The move would not only increase Apple’s market share in live sports but also signal a growing trend among tech giants to invest heavily in sports content as a means of differentiating their platforms and attracting new subscribers.
Formula 1’s recent rise in global popularity, particularly in the U.S. where races like the Miami Grand Prix, Austin Grand Prix, and Las Vegas Grand Prix have gained strong traction, makes it an extremely valuable property. By leveraging the excitement surrounding both the championship and the movie, Apple could capitalize on a rare moment of cultural relevance to establish itself as a premier destination for motorsport fans.
Moreover, this move reflects a broader industry shift. Streaming platforms are increasingly prioritizing live sports rights as a way to diversify their content offerings and compete more directly with traditional cable broadcasters. Platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and now Apple TV+ are all ramping up efforts to secure live rights to top-tier sports events.
While negotiations remain ongoing and no official announcements have been made, industry observers agree that the stakes are high. Should Apple succeed in securing Formula 1’s U.S. broadcasting rights, it would mark a historic moment for both the tech and motorsport industries. It would also increase the pressure on competitors to respond, potentially igniting a bidding war with wide-reaching implications for how fans access and consume sports content in the years to come.
In the meantime, as streaming giants prepare to clash over one of the most prestigious properties in world sport, Liberty Media finds itself in a highly advantageous position. The bidding interest from Apple, Netflix, and Disney means one thing is certain: the financial windfall headed to Liberty’s headquarters in Englewood, Colorado will be massive. For now, Formula 1’s commercial rights holder can sit back and enjoy the benefits of a sport that has never been more in demand.
Leave a Reply