TV rights battle in the USA: ESPN faces off against the streaming giant for F1 broadcasting. Could Netflix secure F1 coverage from 2026?
Drive to Survive and beyond. Netflix is preparing a major move, at least in the United States. According to The Times, the renowned British newspaper, the streaming platform is considering a deeper involvement in Formula 1, starting in 2026. This initiative naturally follows the success of its exclusive, highly acclaimed series Drive to Survive, which provides an inside look at the F1 grid, featuring the 20 drivers, team principals, and prominent external voices. Is the opportunity worth pursuing? It certainly seems so, given the immense popularity of the show, which has been streamed by millions of users worldwide in recent years.
Focusing on the financial aspect, one key point must be clarified regarding F1 TV rights in the United States: unlike in Italy and the UK, where Sky Sport holds exclusive broadcasting rights, in the US, ESPN controls all F1 media rights. The network’s current contract runs until 2026, but it appears that no renewal has been finalized yet. This uncertain situation has created an opportunity for Netflix, which is closely monitoring developments and positioning itself as a serious contender. But what would be the consequences of such a shift? And how likely is it to happen?
From TV show to the F1: Netflix’s hopes
A future where Formula 1 moves away from traditional pay-per-view models to a streaming-based platform could soon become reality—at least in the US. This shift might even extend to other markets, including Italy, in the coming years. Netflix’s interest in live sports broadcasting is not entirely new. While its current portfolio includes mostly US-based events, the streaming giant has already secured exclusive rights to select NFL games, as well as the highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. Furthermore, Netflix has acquired the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
When it comes to Formula 1, the massive success of Drive to Survive has surpassed even the boldest expectations, turning into a global phenomenon. The show’s impressive viewing figures have introduced millions of new fans to the sport, particularly in the United States, where F1 has historically had a lower profile compared to Europe. The latest season—Season 5, released in 2023—recorded over 90 million hours of streaming worldwide. Such staggering numbers have strengthened Netflix’s case as a serious player in the F1 broadcasting landscape. Now, with increasing influence and a clear vision for the future, Netflix’s bid for live F1 coverage could truly redefine how the sport is consumed.
Photo: Netflix