Apple and Netflix Team Up to Air Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix

The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off with groundbreaking changes, including redesigned cars, new aerodynamics, an expanded 11-team grid, and a 24-race calendar—and now, a historic broadcasting partnership between Apple and Netflix will live-stream the Canadian Grand Prix for the first time on both platforms in the U.S.[1][2]

Announced by Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, this collaboration allows U.S. fans to watch the full race weekend—including practice, qualifying, and the Grand Prix itself—simultaneously on Apple TV and Netflix.[2][3][4] The event is slated for May 22-24, coinciding with the Indianapolis 500, adding extra buzz to the motorsport calendar.[2][5][6]

A New Era for F1 Broadcasting in the U.S.

Apple TV secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for all F1 races in a five-year deal worth approximately $150 million per season, nearly double ESPN’s previous $80-85 million annual agreement.[1][3][4][8] Starting March 7 (or March 5 per some reports), Apple TV will air every session: practices, qualifiers, Sprints, and Grands Prix, at no extra cost to subscribers.[1][2][4][7]

This shift replaces ESPN, which averaged 1.3 million viewers in its final year, as Apple aims to boost engagement through its ecosystem—including Apple News, Apple Maps (highlighting F1 tracks), Apple Music, and even in-store promotions.[4] Apple will also offer F1 TV and Sky Sports F1 commentary options, with select Grands Prix available for free via partnerships.[6]

Netflix’s entry marks its first live F1 Grand Prix stream, building on its success with Drive to Survive and recent ventures like NFL Christmas games, WWE Raw, and MLB.[1][4][5] The partnership reflects Netflix’s pivot from a “no-sports” stance to live events, while acknowledging its role in exploding F1’s U.S. popularity since Drive to Survive launched.[2][6]

Cross-Promotion Powers Up Drive to Survive Season 8

A key sweetener: Season 8 of Netflix’s hit docudrama Formula 1: Drive to Survive, covering the 2025 championship’s thrills and rivalries, debuts globally on Netflix and exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S. as of February 27.[1][2][4][9] This eight-episode season gives Apple “F1 shoulder programming” to pair with live races, while Netflix gains live coverage to hook its Drive to Survive audience.[2][6]

Eddy Cue emphasized the synergy: “Netflix has played a pivotal role in growing F1… We’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing U.S. fans on both Netflix and Apple TV.”[2][6] Netflix’s TUDUM site echoed this, noting it offers “a new way to go deeper into the sport” for casual fans and die-hards alike.[2]

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali highlighted the streaming reach: “The reach through Apple will be even bigger… it’s what we want to test in a mature market.”[5] This deal loses F1’s linear TV path but gains massive digital exposure.[5]

Why the Canadian Grand Prix?

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal has long been a fan favorite, known for its high-speed straights, tight chicanes, and the iconic “Wall of Champions.” Airing it on both platforms tests the partnership’s dual-stream model, potentially drawing record viewership amid the 2026 season’s innovations.[1][3]

The May 24 main race (with weekend events May 22-24) pits F1 against IndyCar’s 500, creating a North American motorsport showdown.[5][6] U.S. viewers get seamless access: Apple TV handles the full season, while Netflix simulcasts this one for crossover appeal.[3][4]

Implications for F1 Fans and Streaming Wars

This tie-up benefits everyone. Apple expands its sports portfolio, leveraging Drive to Survive to retain viewers between races.[6] Netflix dips into premium live sports without a full rights buy, using its 80+ million global Drive to Survive fans as a launchpad.[2][4] F1 gains visibility in a cord-cutting era, with Apple promoting across devices and Netflix cross-pollinating audiences.[5]

Challenges remain: Will dual streams confuse viewers? How will international rights align? Early signs are positive—Apple’s tweet hyped the Canadian GP alongside Season 8 availability.[1]

As 2026 unfolds, this could redefine F1 viewing. Casual fans hooked by Netflix dramas now see real-time rivalries unfold, while hardcore enthusiasts enjoy enhanced production on Apple TV. Expect more such hybrids as streamers battle for live sports dominance.

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Original source: TechCrunch – Apple and Netflix team up to air Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix