Following the blockbuster success of the F1 movie featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, Apple is pursuing the commercial rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States, according to Financial Times. The existing contract with ESPN will end after the 2025 season, opening the door for new bidders like Apple.
Current Broadcasting Landscape and Emerging Competition
Disney-owned ESPN had an opportunity to renew its deal without competition, but that chance has passed, allowing Formula 1 to explore alternative offers. Apple is not the only contender, as Netflix is also reportedly interested in acquiring US broadcasting rights. The streaming giant’s popular documentary series, Drive to Survive, significantly boosted Formula 1’s fan base in America by showcasing the drivers’ off-track personalities.
Apple’s Growing Presence in Sports Streaming
This potential acquisition would extend Apple’s footprint in live sports broadcasting, joining its existing rights for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, secured in recent years. The strong performance of F1: The Movie, produced by Apple Original Films along with Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Brad Pitt’s Plan B, and Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo, appears to be a strong motivator for this move.
Box Office Success and Corporate Support Behind the F1 Film
The film has grossed over $293 million worldwide, making it Apple’s highest-earning theatrical release. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the movie blends authentic storytelling about the sport with innovative Apple technology. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, spoke about the project with Variety before its release.
To bring something to life that would be authentic to the sport, that would tell a great story as well about the ups and downs of life — ‘F1’ hit on all the things,
Cook explained.
And then we could bring some things that are uniquely Apple to the movie, like our camera technology. And we plan to have the whole of the company support it as well — our retail operation and everything. So it was something that we could get the entire company around. It feels wonderful to be a part of it.
Implications for the Future of Formula 1 Broadcasting in the US
If Apple secures the Formula 1 rights, it would mark a significant expansion of the company’s role in sports media, potentially reshaping how American audiences experience the championship. With competitors like ESPN and Netflix interested, the bidding process highlights Formula 1’s growing popularity in the US market. The success of the movie and streaming content has driven fresh enthusiasm, suggesting that the next broadcasting deal could offer fans new ways to engage with the sport.
