, Columnist
F1’s Growing Pains With Apple TV+ Would Be Worth It
Formula One might lose viewers if it leaves ESPN for the tech company, but moving is more likely to deliver long-term gains.
A victory lap in the making.
Photographer: Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images AsiaPacFresh off earning a box office hit with F1, the movie, Apple Inc. has reportedly outbid ESPN for the US broadcast rights to F1, the actual sport.
While F1 has not announced that it has accepted the deal, the nine-figure offer would enrich the elite racing championship. But it comes with a painful trade-off. Since 2018, F1’s American viewership has more than doubled on ESPN. Requiring those casual fans to buy an Apple TV+ subscription will throw that cable-led growth into sharp reverse.