The world of Formula 1 viewing in the United States is undergoing a significant shift, as Apple TV and Netflix join forces to deliver comprehensive coverage of the sport. This collaboration, announced on Thursday, February 26, 2026, will see Netflix carry the latest season of the popular docuseries Drive to Survive, even as Apple TV will stream select races live, beginning with the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix. This partnership marks a new era for F1 broadcasting in the US, building on Apple’s recent acquisition of exclusive broadcast rights from ESPN.
Apple secured a five-year deal, reportedly worth just under $150 million annually, to become the exclusive home for all F1 races in the United States starting in 2026. The agreement extends beyond simply broadcasting the races themselves. Apple plans to leverage its entire ecosystem – including Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ – to amplify the sport and engage fans. A dedicated Apple Sports app will provide live updates, leaderboards, and real-time notifications throughout each Grand Prix weekend.
A Strategic Alliance for F1’s Growing US Audience
The move to partner with Netflix for Drive to Survive is a strategic one, recognizing the series’ pivotal role in attracting a new and wider audience to Formula 1. The show, known for its behind-the-scenes access and dramatic storytelling, has been credited with significantly boosting F1’s popularity in the US. By making Season 8 of Drive to Survive available to Apple TV subscribers, the partnership ensures that fans can continue to follow the compelling narratives unfolding both on and off the track.
This isn’t simply a one-way street. In return, Netflix subscribers in the US will have the opportunity to watch all sessions of the Canadian Grand Prix live on the platform in May. This reciprocal arrangement demonstrates a commitment to cross-promotion and expanding the reach of Formula 1 to both streaming audiences. The Canadian Grand Prix, held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, is a popular event on the F1 calendar, known for its challenging track and passionate fanbase.
Expanding Access and Enhancing the Viewing Experience
The collaboration between Apple and Netflix aims to provide fans with more options and a more immersive viewing experience. Apple TV will deliver comprehensive coverage, including all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Select races and all practice sessions will be available for free within the Apple TV app, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience. F1 TV Premium, F1’s own content offering, will continue to be available through an Apple TV subscription, and will be offered at no additional cost to those already subscribed.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, emphasized the importance of the US market for the sport’s future growth. “We are a worldwide sport, but the US market for sure [is] a market where we can see the potential growth in terms of interest in terms of awareness, in terms of business,” Domenicali stated. He also highlighted Apple’s commitment to utilizing its various platforms to promote F1, adding, “Apple will be very pushy to use all their tools that they have with all the different applications, platforms that they have – not only in terms of Apple TV…there will be a lot of content that they’re going to push.”
What This Means for Fans
For Formula 1 fans in the United States, this partnership translates to increased accessibility and a wider range of viewing options. Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem will find seamless integration with Apple TV, while Netflix subscribers will gain access to live race coverage. The combination of live racing, behind-the-scenes content, and comprehensive data through the Apple Sports app promises a more engaging and informative experience for fans of all levels. The availability of free content within the Apple TV app also lowers the barrier to entry for those curious about exploring the world of Formula 1.
The move also signals a broader trend in sports broadcasting, with streaming services increasingly vying for exclusive rights to major events. This shift is driven by the growing popularity of streaming and the desire of sports leagues to reach new audiences and generate revenue. The partnership between Apple and Formula 1 is a prime example of this trend, and it is likely to have a ripple effect across the sports landscape.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting one, with a new broadcasting landscape and a continued focus on expanding the sport’s reach in the United States. The first test of this new partnership will come with the Canadian Grand Prix in May, as Netflix delivers live coverage to its subscribers. Fans can expect further announcements and developments as Apple and Formula 1 work together to enhance the viewing experience and grow the sport’s fanbase.
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