FT: “Apple is bidding to buy Formula 1 broadcast rights in the US”

Sources familiar with the matter have said that Apple is in talks to acquire the US broadcast rights to screen Formula 1 when they become available next year.

According to the Financial Times, the news outlet that first reported this story, Apple’s interest was aroused by the success of F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt as the main character, Sonny Hayes.

The film, produced by Apple Studios, grossed a stunning $293 million in its first ten days, making it Apple’s most successful film to date.

In addition, the Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive helped boost the sport’s popularity in the United States. All things considered, Apple is hoping to capitalize on the sport’s momentum.

US Formula 1 owner, Liberty Media, sees that the Formula 1 film and the Netflix documentary series have piqued the interest of younger viewers. Therefore, as more and more Americans are watching Formula 1, the company hopes to charge more money for broadcast rights next year.

US sports broadcaster ESPN, owned by parent company Disney, currently owns the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States through the 2025 season. The current deal with ESPN brings in about $85 million a year.

However, according to the Financial Times, Formula 1 has not yet decided on future broadcasting arrangements, and it is possible that ESPN will retain the rights. ESPN had a period when it could negotiate an extension of the contract without competition from other bidders, but that period ended last year.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about other broadcasters showing interest in Formula 1’s US broadcasting rights. Back in February, media outlets claimed that Netflix is also considered one of the contenders to bid for Formula 1’s US broadcasting rights from the 2026 season.

Netflix hasn’t officially responded to this rumor. The same goes for Apple.