Apple eyes US Formula 1 broadcast rights after ‘F1: The Movie’ success: report

[BENGALURU] Apple is in talks to acquire the US broadcast rights to screen Formula 1 when the contract becomes available next year, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Wednesday (Jul 9), following the success of Brad Pitt-starrer F1: The Movie.

The report follows the strong box office performance of Apple’s high-octane racing film F1: The Movie, which has grossed US$293 million in its first 10 days, according to Variety and other outlets.

The iPhone maker is challenging current US broadcaster ESPN, owned by Disney, for the Formula 1 rights next year, the FT report said, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.

Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive series helped boost the sport’s popularity in the United States, a momentum Apple now hopes to capitalise on.

Several media outlets reported in February that Netflix is among the contenders for Formula 1’s US broadcasting rights from the 2026 season, as ESPN’s exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with F1 expired.

SEE ALSO

Apple loses top AI models executive to Meta’s hiring spree

Apple weighs using Anthropic or OpenAI to power Siri in major reversal

Apple loses bid to dismiss major US antitrust case

Asean Intelligence

Get insights into businesses across South-east Asia

Get the free report

Apple and F1 did not immediately respond to Reuters request for a comment. REUTERS