Apple Eyes Formula 1 US Broadcast Rights Amid ‘F1: The Movie’ Box Office Success: Report

In a potential shake-up of sports broadcasting, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire the United States broadcast rights for Formula 1, according to a Financial Times report published Wednesday. The move comes in the wake of the strong performance of the Brad Pitt-starrer F1: The Movie, which has grossed $293 million globally within its first 10 days, as reported by Variety and others.

The iPhone maker is said to be challenging current rights holder ESPN—owned by Disney—for the Formula 1 broadcasting deal that becomes available next year. The Financial Times cited sources familiar with the matter, though Reuters noted it could not independently verify the report.

Apple’s interest signals a strategic push to build on the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S., which has surged in recent years, partly due to Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive documentary series. With ESPN’s exclusivity period for renewal reportedly having expired, the field appears open for new bidders.

Reports from earlier this year also suggested that Netflix itself is among the contenders for the upcoming 2026 broadcasting rights cycle.

As of now, both Apple and Formula 1 have not issued official comments in response to the report, according to Reuters.