Following the success of F1 The Movie, which was produced and distributed by Apple, the Cupertino company is now looking to acquire the rights to show the Formula 1 championship on its streaming platform in the United States, Reuters reports.
"F1 The Movie" has already grossed over $300 million worldwide, with a budget of $200-$300 million. After receiving such encouraging figures, Apple wants to compete with the American channel ESPN, owned by Disney, for the rights to broadcast.
The company is reportedly set to submit its bid next year. Other services interested in the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the US include Netflix, which is producing a documentary series called Formula 1: Drive to Survive, which shows the behind-the-scenes of the championship. Netflix already has experience in live broadcasting of sporting events, such as the WWE Championship and some NFL games.
Formula 1 is gaining popularity in the US, thanks to Formula 1: Drive to Survive and three American rounds in Austin, Las Vegas and Miami. Potentially, the rights to broadcast the championship could help streaming services attract new viewers.
Neither Apple nor Formula 1 representatives have commented on these reports at this time.