Streaming giant Netflix is positioning itself as a potential new home for Formula 1 live broadcasts in the United States starting from the 2026 season. The streaming service has played an instrumental role in boosting the championship's popularity through its successful "Drive to Survive" documentary series. With ESPN's exclusivity period for F1 broadcasting rights now expired, Netflix is reportedly considering bidding for the live streaming rights. The platform has already made significant strides in sports content, including record-breaking streams of boxing matches and NFL games. The allure of F1's growing American fanbase, particularly among younger and female demographics, makes it an attractive addition to Netflix's expanding live sports portfolio.

Formula 1 has experienced a surge in popularity in the United States over recent years. Since 2019, when the first season of "Drive to Survive" debuted, the series has captivated audiences, especially during the global lockdowns that followed the outbreak of the pandemic. Netflix’s decision to pursue live F1 rights comes at a time when the company is aggressively expanding its live sports offerings. In November, Netflix hired Kate Jackson, formerly of ESPN, to lead its live sports division. This move was quickly followed by several high-profile sports events streamed on the platform, including a record-setting Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing match and two NFL games on Christmas Day.

The streaming giant has also secured a $5 billion deal to stream WWE programming globally and won the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cup. These moves underscore Netflix's ambition to become a major player in live sports. For F1, this could mean a significant shift in how the sport is consumed in the US. ESPN, which has held the rights since 2018, saw a substantial increase in viewership, culminating in a record-breaking 2022 season with all 23 races broadcast across its networks. However, with the rising costs and changing viewer preferences, Netflix’s entry into the F1 broadcasting arena could signal a new era for the sport in America.

Beyond the immediate impact on US audiences, any changes in F1 broadcasting rights will not affect the current agreement in the United Kingdom, where Sky holds the rights until 2029. As Netflix continues to explore opportunities in live sports, the possibility of securing F1 rights adds another exciting dimension to its content strategy. The combination of Netflix’s global reach and F1’s increasing popularity in the US positions both entities for continued growth and innovation in the world of motorsport entertainment.