Apple and Netflix have announced a partnership to co-broadcast the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, allowing F1 fans in the U.S. to watch the live race on both Apple TV and Netflix. Netflix subscribers can stream the entire race weekend live, including practice, qualifying, and the Grand Prix on May 24. The collaboration also features cross-promotion with Netflix’s series, “Drive to Survive.” For the first time, the eighth season, covering the 2025 Formula One World Championship, will be accessible to both Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. and Netflix users globally, expanding its audience significantly. Season 8 premieres on February 27.
F1’s popularity in American culture is growing, with Brad Pitt’s F1 film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. “Drive to Survive” has attracted diverse viewers with its behind-the-scenes narrative, transforming it into a compelling story that has gained millions of new fans. Apple plans to promote F1 across its platforms, including Apple News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+, as well as in its retail stores.
This partnership also marks Netflix’s expansion into live sports broadcasting, following its move from a “no-sports” stance to securing major rights for NFL Christmas games, WWE Raw, and MLB. The joint effort is part of Apple’s new multi-year deal with Formula 1, where Apple TV replaced ESPN as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for all 24 races starting this season. Valued at around $150 million per season, the deal surpasses the $85 million ESPN reportedly paid. All races are available to Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost, with ESPN’s final season averaging 1.3 million viewers. Netflix previously showed interest in U.S. media rights for Formula 1 back in 2022.