Technology giant Apple is reportedly in discussions to acquire the exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1, aiming to screen the highly popular motorsport when the current contract becomes available next year. This strategic move, reported by the Financial Times on Wednesday, follows the impressive box office success of Apple's recently released racing film, "F1: The Movie," starring Brad Pitt.

The film has quickly become a significant draw, grossing an estimated $293 million in its first ten days, according to various media outlets. This strong performance, coupled with the continued growth of Formula 1's popularity in the United States – largely attributed to Netflix's "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" docuseries – appears to be fueling Apple's ambition to secure live broadcast rights.

Currently, the U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 are held by ESPN, a subsidiary of Disney. However, ESPN's exclusivity period for negotiating a new contract with F1 has reportedly expired, opening the door for other contenders. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Apple is now actively challenging ESPN for the rights, which would take effect from the 2026 season.

From left) Jamie Erlicht, Lewis Hamilton, Tim Cook, Eddy Cue, Zack Van Amburg and Damson Idris attend the premiere for the film 'F1 The Movie' in New York City, June 16, 2025.
While Reuters could not immediately confirm the report, and both Apple and Formula 1 have not yet responded to requests for comment, the potential acquisition underscores a broader trend of tech companies investing heavily in live sports content to attract and retain subscribers for their streaming services.

Netflix, a pioneer in amplifying F1's U.S. footprint through "Drive to Survive," was also reported in February to be among the contenders vying for the broadcast rights. The series has undeniably played a crucial role in expanding Formula 1's fanbase in the U.S., introducing new demographics to the sport and increasing viewership figures significantly. Apple now seemingly aims to capitalize on this momentum, integrating live racing directly into its ecosystem.

An acquisition of F1 broadcast rights would align with Apple's growing portfolio of sports content on Apple TV+, which already includes exclusive Major League Soccer games and "Friday Night Baseball" from Major League Baseball. This move would further solidify Apple's position as a serious player in the increasingly competitive sports streaming landscape, potentially altering how American fans experience Formula 1 in the coming years.