Apple is reportedly in active talks to acquire the rights to stream Formula 1 in the United States on its Apple TV video service through the built-in TV app.
The timing aligns well as Formula 1's current deal with ESPN in the US is set to expire, and Apple's success with 'F1 The Movie' could set the stage for streaming live races on Apple TV+.
Formula 1's US owners hope that recent initiatives, like 'F1 The Movie' and Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' series, will attract younger, female, and American audiences to the sport, potentially increasing the value of broadcasting rights.
The next US streaming deal for Formula 1 races is estimated to be valued at over $121 million per year. Apple already has deals with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer for broadcasting sports events.