Apple Negotiating for Formula 1 Broadcasting Rights in America as ESPN Contract Expires Next Year

Apple is gearing up to compete fiercely with ESPN, owned by Disney, to secure the television broadcasting rights for Formula 1 races in the United States as the current contracts expire next year.

This move comes following the tremendous success of the movie "F1: The Movie," featuring the star Brad Pitt, which grossed $293 million in its first ten days of release, according to Variety magazine and other platforms.

The Financial Times quoted informed sources stating that Apple is looking to strengthen its presence in the sports broadcasting sector, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Formula 1 in America, boosted by the Netflix series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive."

Reports from last February indicated that Netflix is also one of the prominent potential competitors to secure broadcasting rights in the American market starting from the 2026 season, after the exclusive period granted to ESPN to negotiate a new contract with Formula 1.