In a rare collaboration between two streaming giants, Apple and Netflix have struck a deal to cross-share select Formula 1 content, broadening access to the high-speed world of motorsport for U.S. fans just as the 2026 F1 season revs up. The partnership, announced Thursday, allows Apple TV+ subscribers in the United States to stream the brand-new eighth season of Netflix’s hit docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive starting at midnight PT (3 a.m. ET) on February 27, 2026—the same day it premieres globally on Netflix. This marks the first time the popular behind-the-scenes series, which has been credited with dramatically boosting F1’s popularity in the U.S. since its 2019 debut, will be available on a platform outside Netflix. In exchange, Netflix will simulcast Apple TV’s live coverage of the Canadian Grand Prix on May 22-24, 2026, making the race accessible to Netflix subscribers in the U.S. alongside its availability on Apple TV.Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, highlighted the mutual benefits in a statement: “Netflix, I think, has played a pivotal role in growing F1 since the launch of Drive to Survive, and we’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing U.S. fans on both Netflix and Apple TV.” The arrangement comes as Apple solidifies its position as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1, following a multi-year deal (reportedly valued at $120-150 million annually) that began with the 2026 season. All practice sessions, qualifying, Sprint races, and Grands Prix are now streaming exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S., replacing the previous long-standing partnership with ESPN. Drive to Survive Season 8 continues the series’ signature style, diving into the rivalries, drama, and personal stories of drivers and teams throughout the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season. The show has consistently ranked among Netflix’s top docuseries, with massive viewership helping propel F1 into mainstream American culture. This cross-platform move expands F1’s footprint on two of the largest streaming services in the U.S., potentially drawing in new viewers who may already subscribe to one platform but not the other. It also aligns with Apple’s broader integration of F1 content across its ecosystem, including features in Apple News, Apple Maps, and Apple Music. The collaboration underscores the evolving landscape of sports media rights, where streaming services increasingly partner — even with direct competitors — to maximize reach and engagement ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia, next month. Fans eager to catch up on the latest chapter of Drive to Survive can now do so without switching subscriptions, while the Canadian Grand Prix promises to deliver high-stakes on-track action to an even wider audience come May. MacDailyNews Take: Apple TV and Netflix aren’t locked in some zero-sum deathmatch for streaming supremacy; they’re far more additive than adversarial. Apple TV+ focuses on premium, high-quality originals with a curated, ad-free experience tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem while Netflix promotes its massive library and volume-driven originals. This new F1 cross-sharing deal perfectly illustrates this complementary dynamic: Netflix’s Drive to Survive gains exposure to Apple’s loyal, well-heeled audience, and Apple’s live Canadian Grand Prix coverage taps Netflix’s enormous subscriber base – no one has to choose sides. In fact, more and more households happily stack both services — Netflix for endless binge options, Apple TV for high quality, premium content. It’s not about cannibalizing rivals, but expanding the overall pie for everyone. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple and Netflix team up in surprise F1 partnership: ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ hits Apple TV as Canadian Grand Prix Streams on both platforms appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Thursday, February 26, 2026
Apple and Netflix team up in surprise F1 partnership: ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ hits Apple TV as Canadian Gran…
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