Netflix is keen on changing into the brand new media rights accomplice for Method 1 in the US from 2026 as discussions proceed over the long run broadcast platform for the game.
ESPN presently holds the rights to televise F1 within the U.S., having taken over from NBC Sports activities for the 2018 season. F1 has signed short-term offers all through the ESPN period because it felt the area could be a key progress market and it wished to have the ability to reap the benefits of future alternatives, with the most recent ESPN deal working till the tip of 2025.
Whereas ESPN stays within the working to retain the rights, RACER understands its interval of exclusivity in negotiations has now expired and F1 is ready to focus on potential plans with different events. Executives from F1 are believed to be in energetic discussions within the U.S. at current.
One of many suitors is known to be Netflix, with the streaming large having employed ESPN’s vp of manufacturing Kate Jackson to turn into its new director of sports activities late final 12 months. Netflix and F1 have a robust relationship courtesy of the massive success of the docuseries Drive to Survive that first aired in 2019. It additionally broadcast the Netflix Cup golf and F1 crossover occasion in Las Vegas in 2023.
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Netflix has been branching out into reside sports activities protection in latest months, with 2024’s Christmas NFL video games going out to a world viewers, an exhibition boxing struggle between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, and WWE’s weekly “Uncooked” occasion all a part of its portfolio. Netflix additionally holds the U.S. rights to the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup in each 2027 and 2031.
Whereas there are set to be extra NFL video games on Netflix once more in Christmas 2025, it’s not alone in including reside sports activities occasions to its choice. Each Amazon and Apple additionally function within the house — the previous by way of NFL and the latter the MLB and MLS — and are anticipated to be amongst those that maintain an curiosity in F1.
Each of these corporations equally have hyperlinks to the game, with Amazon Net Companies a world accomplice of F1, and Apple producing the upcoming self-titled film starring Brad Pitt.
The motorsport scene within the U.S. has additionally not too long ago seen IndyCar’s major broadcast accomplice transition from NBC Sports activities to FOX, beginning this coming season.
Approached in regards to the scenario surrounding the F1 rights, an ESPN spokesperson declined to remark “on account of a company coverage of not commenting on ongoing negotiations.”
