Netflix streams first live f1 race this weekend

At a glance:

• Netflix will stream the Canadian Grand Prix live in the US from May 22‑24.
• Apple TV remains the primary F1 partner but has granted Netflix rights to select races.
• The agreement expands Netflix’s growing live‑sports portfolio, which already includes MLB games and BTS concerts.

What the deal means for fans

Netflix announced that U.S. subscribers will be able to watch the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix live on its platform this weekend, May 22‑24. This marks the first time the streaming giant has offered a live F1 race, breaking the traditional exclusivity model that usually confines motorsport broadcasts to dedicated sports networks or pay‑TV services. The arrangement stems from a February agreement with Apple, which continues to be the primary distributor of F1 content in the United States. Apple TV will still host the bulk of the season’s races and will also air the eighth season of Netflix’s hit documentary series Formula 1: Drive to Survive. By sharing select race rights, both services aim to broaden the sport’s audience while preserving Apple’s overall partnership with the FIA.

How it fits into Netflix’s live‑sports strategy

Netflix has been steadily augmenting its catalogue with live events, a shift that began with limited‑time sports specials and has accelerated in recent months. The platform previously streamed Major League Baseball games and, more recently, live concerts featuring K‑pop megastar BTS. Adding a live F1 race aligns with this trajectory, leveraging the global popularity of motorsport to attract and retain subscribers who might otherwise turn to traditional broadcasters. The Canadian Grand Prix is a high‑profile event that draws millions of viewers worldwide, making it a strategic entry point for Netflix’s sports ambitions. By positioning itself as a complementary outlet to Apple TV rather than a direct competitor, Netflix can test audience appetite for live racing without jeopardising its broader content licensing relationships.

Impact on viewers and Apple

For U.S. fans, the deal means an additional avenue to watch the race without a separate sports package; a standard Netflix subscription will suffice. Apple, meanwhile, retains its status as the season‑long home of Formula 1, preserving its brand association with the sport while still benefiting from the cross‑promotion of Drive to Survive on Netflix. Analysts note that such symbiotic agreements could become more common as streaming services vie for exclusive live‑event rights. The partnership may set a precedent for future collaborations, potentially extending to other marquee races or even entire seasons, depending on viewer response and subscription metrics.

Looking ahead

While the current agreement only confirms the Canadian Grand Prix, industry insiders speculate that Netflix could secure rights to additional races later in the season. The success of this pilot will likely influence negotiations with the FIA and other rights holders. Subscribers should keep an eye on Netflix’s announcements in the coming weeks for any updates on upcoming live‑sports offerings.