Uncertainty surrounds the fate of 'F1 TV' after Apple's F1 streaming reporting comes to light
Apple is reportedly nearing a $150 million per-year deal with Formula 1, a move that could significantly influence the media landscape of the motorsport. This potential tie-up could see F1 content moving from traditional cable providers, such as ESPN, to Apple's streaming platform, Apple TV+.
Currently, F1 TV, the motorsport's own streaming service, is available for $85 per year in the U.S., offering ad-free access to all F1 sessions, team radios, onboard cameras, and non-race programming. However, Apple TV+, with its monthly subscription price of $9.99, could effectively undercut F1 TV's direct-to-consumer business by integrating F1 content into its broader ecosystem.
For F1 TV, this means increased competition and potential subscriber losses in the U.S. market. Casual fans might prefer Apple’s bundled service, as it is accessible on devices they already own, such as iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV hardware. The convenience of on-demand streaming also caters to younger viewers who favor streaming over cable.
The F1 TV app was named the Apple TV App of the Year in 2024, highlighting its popularity. As of last year, the F1 TV Pro tier was available in 92 territories, with the U.S. being its biggest market. However, the future of F1 TV could involve a partnership with Apple, potentially with streams and features being ported over and expanded within a new Apple-backed service.
From Apple’s perspective, acquiring F1 content aligns with its strategic goals to expand entertainment offerings beyond its hardware products and attract subscribers to Apple TV+. This investment would leverage Apple’s strong brand and ecosystem, potentially drawing new users to Apple devices and services, and enhancing their competitive position against other streaming platforms like Netflix, which previously showed interest in F1 rights but appears to have stepped back.
In other markets, F1's owned offerings have seen changes following new media partnerships. The fate of F1 TV will speak volumes about Liberty Media's current U.S. ambitions and Apple's sports stance. If successful, this deal could revolutionize F1’s U.S. broadcast landscape by shifting premium sports content into Apple’s ecosystem, challenging F1 TV’s standalone service, and strengthening Apple’s content portfolio to drive device and service integration and growth.
F1 TV was launched in 2017 as an over-the-top service offering fans live coverage of all race sessions. The future of this service, and its relationship with Apple, remains to be seen.
References:
- Apple Bids $150 Million for Formula 1 Media Rights
- Apple Reportedly Bids $150 Million for Formula 1 Media Rights
- Apple Wants Formula 1 Streaming Rights for $150 Million a Year
- People eager for Formula 1 content might soon turn to Apple TV+, as the tech giant is reportedly negotiating a $150 million per-year deal for F1 media rights, potentially shifting the entertainment landscape.
- The potential partnership between Formula 1 and Apple could have significant implications for technology and sports industries, as Apple aims to expand its entertainment offerings and attract more subscribers to its streaming platform.
