Apple & Netflix Share F1 Rights in US: Drive to Survive & Live Races

The Formula 1 landscape in the United States is undergoing a significant shift, as Netflix and Apple have announced a collaborative broadcast agreement that will see the two streaming giants share select programming from the racing series. The deal, unveiled last week, aims to broaden the reach of F1 to American audiences and capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity.

The most prominent aspect of the agreement involves the Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for May 24th. Netflix will simulcast the entire race weekend – encompassing practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race – live on its platform. This marks a notable expansion of live sports content for Netflix, which has recently been making inroads into the sports broadcasting market with events like combat sports, including a major boxing bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and a new agreement with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) for mixed martial arts.

In return, Apple TV+ will grow the exclusive home for the eighth season of Netflix’s hugely successful docuseries, Drive to Survive, in the United States. The series, which chronicles the behind-the-scenes drama of the F1 season, is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the surge of interest in the sport, particularly within the American market. Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, emphasized this impact, stating that Netflix “has played a pivotal role in growing F1” and expressed excitement about making F1 content “more broadly available” to fans on both platforms.

This partnership comes as Apple prepares to take over exclusive US broadcasting rights for Formula 1 starting with the 2026 season, under a five-year deal estimated to be worth approximately $140 million annually. The agreement with Netflix allows Apple to supplement its live race coverage with compelling shoulder programming, leveraging the established popularity of Drive to Survive to attract and retain subscribers. For Netflix, the Canadian Grand Prix provides a taste of Apple’s live coverage, potentially enticing viewers to subscribe to Apple TV+ for the full F1 experience.

The strategic move reflects both companies’ ambitions to solidify their positions in the competitive streaming landscape. Apple is integrating F1 content across its ecosystem of apps, including Apple News, which will offer live race updates, Apple Maps, and Apple Music, mirroring its approach with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. This broader integration aims to create a more immersive experience for fans and drive engagement across multiple platforms.

The deal also highlights the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting. Traditional networks are facing increasing competition from streaming services, which are willing to invest heavily in live sports rights to attract and retain subscribers. The collaboration between Apple and Netflix demonstrates a willingness to explore new models of content distribution, where partnerships can benefit both parties and ultimately enhance the fan experience.

The 2026 season is poised to be a landmark year for Formula 1 in the United States, with Apple at the helm of exclusive broadcasting rights and a strengthened partnership with Netflix. The combination of live race coverage, behind-the-scenes access, and integrated content across multiple platforms is expected to further fuel the sport’s growth and solidify its position as a major player in the American sports market. The first Grand Prix of the season launches this month in Melbourne, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for F1 fans.