The streaming wars just got a lot more interesting for Formula 1 fans. Apple has reportedly thrown down a massive $150 million offer to steal F1\u2019s U.S. broadcasting rights away from ESPN, setting up what could be the biggest shake-up in American motorsports viewing since Netflix changed everything with \u201cDrive to Survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why Has Apple\u2019s Offer Gotten the Formula 1 Racing World Excited?<\/p>\n
While there has been no official confirmation yet, Apple\u2019s rumored bid of $150 million per year has undoubtedly stirred up some talk in the motorsport world. Meanwhile, in the U.S. Apple\u2019s bid is almost double ESPN\u2019s current deal, ESPN has only been paying around $85 million to Liberty Media<\/a> (F1\u2019s parent company) for F1\u2019s streaming rights. The tech giant is trying to capitalize on the recent success of the F1 movie.<\/p>\n Was holding this for tonight\u2019s email, but since it\u2019s out there:<\/p>\n Apple offered Liberty $150 million per year for F1 U.S. rights, per sources\u2014the lower end of $150-200 million range I reported earlier.<\/p>\n ESPN, which has been paying ~$85 million, will not match.<\/p>\n F1 going to Apple!<\/p>\n \u2014 Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) July 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The idea of F1 switching to a streaming-only platform like Apple TV+ has sparked many reactions from racing fans. Many are excited about the potential for better technology and a different broadcast experience. After all, Apple did help produce the F1 movie, and fans are hoping that some of that magic will carry over into live race coverage.<\/p>\n However, there\u2019s a lot of concern about accessibility. Many F1 races are broadcast early in the morning for U.S. fans, which is already a significant concern for the sport. Fans are unsure if changing the platform would make much of a difference to the viewership numbers. Apple already streams Major League Soccer and some MLB<\/a> games, but F1 would be its most significant and boldest step in the sports streaming world.<\/p>\n For many fans in the U.S., ESPN has been the home for Formula 1 races since 2018. Before that, NBC held the rights, when they weren\u2019t expensive. In fact, ESPN initially got the rights for free. But times have changed, thanks to Netflix\u2019s \u201cDrive to Survive,\u201d which increased F1\u2019s U.S. popularity massively, and increased its price tag.<\/p>\n What Are NASCAR Fans Saying About This Deal?<\/p>\n Some NASCAR<\/a> fans have reacted quickly to the news on social media. One fan commented<\/a>, \u201cGood riddance\u201d while another wrote<\/a>, \u201cAnd just like that any pressure NASCAR was feeling in the US market is gone.\u201d Another sarcastically wrote<\/a>, \u201capple tv essentially killed any media growth the MLS had for the past half decade so that\u2019s definitely a good sign for f1 right.\u201d<\/p>\n