Breaking: Netflix set for STUNNING F1 bid as US TV war begins…More
Netflix set for STUNNING F1 bid as US TV war begins
Netflix is reportedly considering making a bid for the exclusive broadcast rights to Formula 1 (F1) in the United States when ESPN’s current deal expires at the end of 2025.
According to The Times, industry insiders believe the streaming giant is preparing to compete for the rights starting from the 2026 season.
ESPN has been the U.S. rights holder since securing a three-year contract in 2022 for $90 million, a relatively low cost considering the sport’s rising popularity in the country.
However, with F1’s growing fanbase, a renewal deal is expected to be significantly more expensive.
The surge in American interest is largely attributed to Netflix’s hit documentary series Drive to Survive, which debuted in 2019.
The behind-the-scenes show has played a key role in attracting new audiences, particularly in the U.S., where F1 was once a niche sport.
With the series now preparing for its seventh season, Netflix is looking to leverage its influence by acquiring live broadcasting rights.
To strengthen its sports broadcasting efforts, Netflix recently hired Kate Jackson, ESPN’s former vice president of production, who previously oversaw F1 coverage at the network.
Her appointment signals Netflix’s growing commitment to live sports content, an area where the company has been gradually expanding.
So far, Netflix has primarily focused on major one-off events, such as the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match and select NFL games during the holiday season.
The company has also secured U.S. rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups, further demonstrating its ambitions in live sports streaming.
However, Netflix is not the only company eyeing F1 rights.
Apple has also shown interest in adding F1 to its growing portfolio of sports content, and ESPN itself has not ruled out renewing its contract despite failing to secure an extension during its exclusivity period.
With multiple bidders in the mix, the cost of acquiring F1’s U.S. broadcast rights is expected to skyrocket beyond the $90 million ESPN previously paid.
If Netflix succeeds, it would mark a significant shift in how American audiences access F1 coverage.
The company has traditionally focused on on-demand content rather than live sports, making this a bold step into a highly competitive market.
Meanwhile, F1’s governing body, Liberty Media, is likely to benefit from a bidding war that could drive up the sport’s valuation in the U.S.
GPFans has reached out to Netflix for an official statement on the matter.
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