Formula 1 (F1) has always been a European-dominated sport.
But as of recently, the United States has made it clear that it wants a bigger piece of the action.
There are three U.S.-based races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, and as such American interest in F1 has boomed.
Now, Netflix—the American power-house that played a massive role in growing F1’s audience—is trying to make a bold move that could change how fans watch the sport forever.
How Netflix created millions of F1 fans
When Netflix launched Drive to Survive in 2019, no one could have really predicted the impact it would have back then. The docuseries gave fans an inside look at F1’s biggest rivalries, personal struggles, and dramatic moments.
The show didn’t just attract the sport’s existing fans—it created millions of new ones, especially in the U.S.
But now, Netflix wants more than just storytelling. The company is preparing to bid for the live broadcasting rights to F1 in the United States, starting from the 2026 season.
This would be a major shift for the sport’s viewers, as ESPN currently holds the rights. However, ESPN’s exclusive negotiation period has ended, and that has actually opened the door for a high-stakes bidding war.
ESPN has been the home of F1 in the U.S. since 2018. At first, the network didn’t even pay for the rights—Liberty Media, which owns F1, kind of just wanted the sport on as many American screens as possible.
Then that changed in 2019 when ESPN began paying $5 million per year for the rights. By 2022, with F1’s popularity just growing and growing, ESPN was paying $90 million per year.
Netflix enters the race for pole position
Now, the next deal is expected to cost much more, and Netflix is ready to fight for it. If Netflix wins, this would be its first major move into live sports broadcasting (just like this exciting motorsport). And this move that could definitely shake up how F1 is watched in the U.S.
Netflix isn’t just testing the waters in sports—it’s diving in headfirst. The company has already started streaming live events, most of which have reported success.
- In November 2024, Netflix streamed the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match, which became the most-watched sports event in its history.
- On Christmas Day 2024, Netflix aired two NFL games.
- In January 2025, Netflix kicked off a $5 billion, 10-year deal to stream WWE wrestling events worldwide.
It has also just secured rights to stream the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cup in the U.S.
With these, Netflix is no longer just a streaming service—it’s becoming a major sports broadcaster. Now, F1 could be the next step in its ambitious plan.
If Netflix wins the rights, U.S. F1 fans might have a very different viewing experience. Right now, ESPN uses Sky Sports’ feed, meaning American viewers get the same coverage as fans in the UK. But Netflix may develop its own coverage, making it more U.S.-focused.
This could bring better storytelling, more behind-the-scenes content, and even a more modern presentation. But F1 on Netflix could also mean changes in how F1 is accessed. Unlike ESPN, which includes F1 in cable packages, Netflix operates on a subscription model. That means fans might have to pay separately to watch live races – which is definitely not a win for fans.
There’s still the finer details to iron out
There’s also the question of advertising. Netflix recently introduced ad-supported subscription plans, and it’s unclear just yet as to whether F1 races would be available without ads.
If Netflix secures the F1 rights, it would be one of the biggest shifts in sports broadcasting history. The move would definitely mark another big step in America’s growing influence over Formula 1.
The U.S. already hosts three Grand Prix races (none of them really using any alternative fuels – yet!)—more than any other country.
American companies, like Red Bull’s title sponsor Oracle, are investing heavily in F1.
F1 is no longer just a European sport—it’s becoming an American obsession.
