The battle for Formula 1’s U.S. media rights is heating up, and Netflix is making a serious play to become the sport’s next broadcasting powerhouse. With ESPN’s current deal set to expire at the end of 2025, the streaming giant—already responsible for F1’s meteoric rise in the U.S. through Drive to Survive—is looking to make an aggressive bid to take over live race coverage from 2026 onward.
Netflix’s Deepening F1 Ties: From Docuseries to Live Racing?
Formula 1’s boom in the American market has been largely credited to Drive to Survive, the behind-the-scenes documentary series that debuted in 2019 and transformed the sport’s popularity in the States. But Netflix isn’t satisfied with just storytelling—it wants the real thing.
The streaming company has already begun expanding into live sports in a big way:
- In 2024, Netflix will air exclusive Christmas Day NFL games
- It has secured U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup
- The upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing event will be streamed on its platform
- Netflix is now the exclusive home of WWE’s weekly “Raw”
To bolster its live sports ambitions, Netflix recently poached ESPN’s vice president of production, Kate Jackson, naming her director of sports—a clear sign that the company is gearing up for major sports broadcasting acquisitions.
The Battle for F1’s U.S. Rights: Netflix vs. ESPN, Amazon, and Apple
Currently, ESPN holds F1’s U.S. media rights, having taken over from NBC Sports in 2018. Since then, Formula 1 has signed short-term deals to allow flexibility in a rapidly growing market. But with Netflix now in the picture, ESPN’s grip on F1 could be in serious jeopardy.
Netflix isn’t the only streaming powerhouse interested, though. Amazon and Apple, both already involved in live sports broadcasting, are expected to join the bidding war:
- Amazon Prime Video has a long-standing partnership with the NFL and is a global AWS sponsor of Formula 1
- Apple TV+ has exclusive rights to Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Soccer (MLS) and is producing an F1 movie starring Brad Pitt
With multiple tech giants vying for F1 rights, the next deal could mark a landmark shift in how Americans consume Formula 1—moving away from traditional cable and fully into the streaming era.
Could Netflix Transform F1 Viewership?
If Netflix wins the rights, it could revolutionize the way Formula 1 is presented in the United States. Unlike ESPN, which simulcasts races on ABC and ESPN2, Netflix could bring an on-demand, interactive experience with exclusive content, enhanced analytics, and behind-the-scenes coverage that traditional broadcasters simply can’t match.
However, there are challenges. Would F1 races remain free to air like they currently are on ESPN? Would Netflix introduce a pay-per-view model for certain races? These are critical questions that could shape the sport’s future accessibility.
When Will a Decision Be Made?
With ESPN’s contract running out at the end of 2025, Formula 1 is expected to finalize its next U.S. media deal within the coming months. With the sport at an all-time high in the U.S. market, Liberty Media (F1’s commercial rights holder) will be looking for a deal that maximizes exposure, revenue, and fan engagement.
One thing is certain: Formula 1’s U.S. broadcasting landscape is on the verge of a seismic shift—and Netflix is poised to take pole position in the race for control.
