Apple Bids $150M+ for Formula 1 US Streaming Rights - The Streaming Wars Heat Up in 2026

The Battle for Formula 1 US Streaming Rights Is On

The streaming wars have a new battlefield, and it involves fast cars going 200 mph. According to Business Insider (via Reuters), Apple has submitted a bid worth at least $150 million per year for the U.S. streaming rights to Formula 1 races, starting with the 2026 season. But they are not alone - Netflix is reportedly considering its own bid, setting up a potential showdown between two of the biggest tech-entertainment companies on the planet.

Why Apple Wants F1

Apple TV+ has already dipped its toes into motorsport content. The upcoming F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Securing live F1 streaming rights would give Apple a year-round motorsport presence, not just a one-off movie.

For Apple, live sports streaming is the next frontier. They have already secured deals with MLS (Major League Soccer) through their Apple TV+ Season Pass product. Adding Formula 1 would diversify their sports portfolio and attract a global audience - F1 fanbase spans every continent and continues to grow, especially in the United States thanks to the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive.

Netflix Interest Makes Sense Too

Netflix already has an intimate relationship with F1 through Drive to Survive, the docuseries that many credit with F1 massive popularity surge in the U.S. Moving from behind-the-scenes documentaries to actual live race broadcasts would be a natural - and lucrative - evolution.

If Netflix wins the bid, it would represent a major shift in their content strategy. Netflix has historically avoided live sports, preferring on-demand content that viewers can watch anytime. But with competitors like Amazon Prime Video securing NFL Thursday Night Football and Apple TV+ building its sports library, Netflix may be realizing that live sports are essential for long-term growth.

What This Means for F1 Fans

Regardless of who wins, F1 fans in the U.S. stand to benefit from increased competition. A $150M+ annual deal would mean more investment in broadcast quality, more cameras, more analysis, and potentially more accessible pricing for viewers. The current rights holder, ESPN, will need to step up its game if it wants to hold onto F1 in the face of tech-company bids with deeper pockets.

The streaming wars are no longer just about who has the best TV shows. They are about who owns the biggest live events. And in 2026, Formula 1 might just be the most valuable property on the board.