Apple and Netflix team up to air Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Apple and Netflix have announced a partnership to co-broadcast the highly anticipated Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. This significant development was revealed on Thursday by Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. For the first time, Formula 1 enthusiasts in the United States will have the unique opportunity to watch the live race concurrently on both the Apple TV platform and Netflix. Subscribers to Netflix will be able to stream the entire race weekend, which includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main Grand Prix event set for May 24. Beyond the live race, this partnership will also promote Netflix's acclaimed series, "Drive to Survive." The eighth season, featuring eight episodes focused on the 2025 Formula One World Championship, will be accessible to both Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. and Netflix users worldwide, significantly expanding its reach. The season is set to premiere today, February 27. The popularity of Formula 1 in American culture has surged, with Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film even nominated for Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards. "Drive to Survive" has played a pivotal role in attracting a diverse viewership by offering an engaging behind-the-scenes glimpse into the sport, evolving from a standard sports docuseries into a captivating narrative that has drawn millions of new fans. Apple is keen on leveraging this collaboration as part of its broader ambitions within the Formula 1 arena. The company plans to promote the sport through various platforms, including Apple News, Apple Maps (showcasing F1 circuits globally), Apple Music, and Apple Fitness+, in addition to showcasing it in its physical retail locations. Meanwhile, Netflix is making strides into the realm of live sports broadcasting, shifting from its previous stance of avoiding sports content. This partnership follows its acquisition of major rights for NFL Christmas games, WWE Raw, and MLB events. This initiative aligns with Apple's new multi-year agreement with Formula 1, where Apple TV has taken over from ESPN as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for all 24 races this season. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately $150 million per season, a significant increase from the $85 million that ESPN was said to have paid. All races will be available to Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost. In its final year, the ESPN partnership recorded an average viewership of 1.3 million, setting a high bar for the upcoming seasons. Notably, Netflix had previously expressed interest in acquiring U.S. media rights for Formula 1 back in 2022.