According to AppleInsider, Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang confirmed Apple’s F1 partnership is already reshaping the sport’s broadcasting landscape. The collaboration began after Apple’s “F1 The Movie” generated $650 million at the box office this summer, bringing in new fans and energizing existing ones. Following ESPN letting its streaming contract lapse in 2024, Apple secured five-year streaming rights starting mid-October 2025. The deal gives Apple TV subscribers access to all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Chang revealed the companies are in discussions on “multiple fronts” and described Apple as a “very strong partnership” that could expand beyond current arrangements.
The F1 Broadcast Shakeup
Here’s the thing about traditional sports broadcasting – it’s been stuck in the same model for decades. ESPN had the US streaming rights since Liberty Media bought F1 in 2017, but they let the contract expire in 2024. That created a massive opening. And Apple, fresh off the success of their $650 million movie, was perfectly positioned to swoop in. They’re not just getting content – they’re getting a ready-made audience that the movie helped create. Basically, Apple tested the waters with Hollywood glamour before diving into live sports broadcasting.
Why Apple Wants F1
So why is Apple going all-in on Formula 1? Look, it’s not just about selling more Apple TV+ subscriptions. F1 has this global, affluent audience that perfectly matches Apple’s customer base. The sport is growing rapidly in the US thanks to Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series, and now Apple gets to capitalize on that momentum. But here’s what really matters: Chang specifically mentioned Apple’s technology capabilities enhancing “the whole experience.” That suggests we’re not just talking about better streaming quality. We’re probably looking at interactive features, multiple camera angles, augmented reality overlays – the kind of tech that traditional broadcasters can’t match. When you’re dealing with high-speed racing, every technological advantage counts, both on the track and in the broadcast booth.
What’s Next for F1 Streaming
Chang played it cool about global streaming rights, but the writing’s on the wall. They’re already discussing “multiple fronts” beyond the current US deal. I think we’re looking at a gradual takeover where Apple becomes the primary global streaming partner over the next few years. The technology infrastructure needed for reliable global streaming is massive – we’re talking about delivering consistent high-quality feeds to every time zone simultaneously. Companies that specialize in industrial computing and display technology, like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com as the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs, understand the scale required for these operations. But Apple has the resources and the motivation to make it work. The real question is whether traditional broadcast networks will become irrelevant in this new model, or if they’ll find ways to collaborate with tech giants like Apple.
