Netflix reportedly interested in F1 broadcast rights

Will F1 be shown on streaming services like Netflix in the future? The American giant is watching F1’s offer very closely after the successes on its Drive to Survive platform and the Schumacher documentary.

The giants of streaming services (video on demand) will change the audiovisual landscape and will shake up the offer of traditional TV channels. The giants Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney + and Apple TV + will in turn become platforms for broadcasting live sports, some of which have already started, such as Prime Video.

Netflix keeps tabs on F1 TV rights

After starting to offer series or documentaries on motorsports, like F1, Netflix does not currently have the rights to broadcast, but would consider it after the success of its recent programs offered.

‘A few years ago the rights to Formula 1 were sold. We weren’t among the bidders back then, but today we would definitely consider it, « said streaming service CEO Reed Hastings in a conversation with Spiegel.de.

Reed Hastings nonetheless explains why Netflix has not yet applied for offers of broadcasting rights for certain sports.

At Netflix, we do entertainment, not journalism. It would have to meet certain standards. We don’t get involved in live sports. With this type of broadcast, we have no control over the source. We have no control over the Bundesliga (the German football championship). They can make deals with whoever they want,  » concludes Hastings.

So, if football is clearly left on the sidelines, Netflix could take an interest in Formula 1 in the future. This would be due to the success of Drive to Survive and Schumacher, but also because Netflix would see F1 differently from other sports competitions, since F1 is not tied to each country like other sports competitions are. In France, the Canal + group has extended its F1 broadcasting rights until 2024.