Netflix are being tipped to contest the Formula One media rights (Image: Getty)
are reportedly considering a bid for the US-based TV rights to Formula One as they look to capitalise on the success of Drive to Survive.
The fly-on-the-wall documentary series has been immensely popular ever since it burst onto screens in 2019 and continues to be credited with a hand in the growth of the sport as a whole.
It’s estimated an audience in excess of 800 million have watched the six series, with a third of the viewers having come from the US.
TV audiences have also seen an increase in viewership Stateside, with figures suggesting that since 2018 audience sizes have doubled.
As a result, are now looking to get their hands on a bigger piece of the Formula One pie, with reporting the streaming media company is considering a bid for the broadcast rights.
It comes after the existing rights holder ESPN saw their exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with Formula One expire, meaning the market has now opened for bids from other interested parties.
Formula One continues to grow in the States (Image: Getty)
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are expected to make a move when bidding for the 2026 rights gets underway.
Part of the reasoning behind their interest is believed to be because the next set of rights are expected to bring an increase in value, such has been the raised popularity of Formula One.
It wouldn’t be the first time venture into sports broadcasting though, with the US-based company having recently broadcast two NFL Christmas games, as well as securing deals for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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The recent Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight also returned big numbers for , with the fight believed to have been the most-streamed sporting event of all time.
As for the UK’s relationship with Formula One though, it’s expected this wouldn’t impact the current Sky Sports deal, but it would add another competitor to the global sports broadcasting scene.
Should find success in acquiring Formula One rights in the US, it could decide to venture into different markets, including challenging broadcasters in countries outside of the States.