Apple and Netflix are teaming up to share Formula 1 programming
Source: Engadget
Partnership Overview
Apple and Netflix have entered into a surprising partnership to share Formula 1 programming, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The agreement allows Netflix to stream the F1 Canadian Grand Prix in May alongside Apple TV+. In return, both Apple TV+ and Netflix will air season eight of the docuseries Drive to Survive.
Details of the Deal
- Live Race Streaming: Netflix will stream the Canadian Grand Prix, while Apple TV+ continues to broadcast its own live F1 races.
- Docuseries Release: Season 8 of Drive to Survive will premiere at midnight on both platforms.
- Quote from Apple: Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior VP of services, said Netflix “has played a pivotal role in growing F1 since the launch of Drive to Survive, and we’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing US fans.”
Impact on Apple and Netflix
- Apple: Gains related F1 programming to air alongside live races, expanding the sport’s reach in the United States.
- Netflix: Adds live F1 races to its US lineup, aligning with its strategy of frequently airing live events.
Background on Apple’s F1 Rights
Apple secured the rights to stream F1 races last year in a deal estimated at around $150 million per year. Since then, Apple has pursued several initiatives to broaden the sport’s audience:
- A partnership with IMAX to simulcast select races live in theaters.
- Agreements that give Tubi, Comcast, DirecTV, and Amazon Prime Video limited access to F1 content.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted that the Apple relationship could make the sport “bigger than it ever was while airing on ESPN,” emphasizing the importance of high‑quality distribution in the American market.
This article originally appeared on Engadget: Apple and Netflix are teaming up to share Formula 1 programming.