Liberty Media CEO expects Apple to be "very energetic" in F1 international rights race

Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang says Apple is more likely to be “very energetic” when requested if Apple would ever combat for international Method 1 rights. This comes because the tech big readies itself to take over broadcasting for the USA from the start of 2026.

Talking to CNBC, Chang commented on Apple’s position in F1 and its broadcasting, linking it to the large success the model noticed with the blockbuster F1 film starring Brad Pitt.

“In parallel [to the F1 movie], we ended up doing a take care of Apple on the US media rights,” he stated on the corporate taking up from ESPN. “And the best way we take a look at it now could be, kind of the entire media panorama, and we discuss by way of attain has simply modified over time due to what know-how has enabled.

“And now it’s not nearly what occurs in a one-and-a-half-hour broadcast window throughout a Sunday race, however being at all times on, at all times current.

“I believe that Apple, with what they will do from a know-how standpoint, will actually improve the product and due to this fact the content material, and the entire expertise that I believe will simply proceed to drive the model and drive the attention of the game.”

When pressed on whether or not he believes Apple will pursue international F1 rights when the contract turns into obtainable, Chang responded, admitting that he believes will probably be “very energetic” when that occurs. He additionally confirmed that Liberty Media is in talks with Apple on “a number of fronts”, though he did not element what this meant.

Apple and Method 1 introduced in October that Apple TV will take over F1 broadcasting in the USA from the start of the 2026 season. This five-year contract is predicted to be valued at roughly $140million per season.

“Clearly, we did the F1 film,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice chairman of providers, stated throughout the USA Grand Prix weekend. “I’ve identified Stefano [Domenicali] for a very long time. The F1 film made us nearer with the entire group and seeing what was attainable.

Tim Prepare dinner and Eddy Cue on the World Premiere of F1 The Film

Picture by: Getty Photographs

“The film’s been an enormous hit. Largest sports activities film of all time, Brad Pitt’s greatest film of all time. We have not even launched it but on Apple TV. It comes out December twelfth, as nicely. So we will get an entire set of recent audiences to observe it once more. And we’re excited concerning the alternative of progress within the US Method 1 has gotten manner larger, however the trustworthy reality is it nonetheless can develop exponential. It is an enormous, large alternative. It is extra than simply racing. It is tradition.”

The truth is, Cue in contrast the racing sequence to Main League Soccer, a sport Apple presently has the rights to however can be dropping after the conclusion of the 2028/29 season – three and a half years sooner than anticipated.

“It is a entire different degree,” he stated on F1. “Simply truthfully, it is a a lot larger sport than Main League Soccer. And we predict there’s an enormous alternative to leverage. We’re making it a part of Apple TV, the subscription. It is not a season go or a further package deal. So it may have a wider attain as nicely.”

Photographs from Las Vegas GP – Free Apply

Lando Norris, McLaren