Netflix plans to acquire F1 rights in the US as Horner distances himself from Cadillac

Netflix continues to expand its presence in the world of motorsport, with multiple sources saying the streaming platform is seriously considering buying the US broadcast rights to Formula 1. This potential acquisition could drastically change the way motorsport fans consume the sport, while recent comments from Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner have sparked even more controversy in the paddock.

The relationship between Netflix and Formula 1 is not new. The documentary series  Drive to Survive has been a resounding success, attracting a new generation of fans and increasing the popularity of F1 in key markets such as the United States. With this precedent, the streaming giant now seems ready to take the next step: securing the F1 broadcast rights in the United States.

Currently, F1 rights in the US are held by ESPN, which has seen a growing audience in recent years. However, with the evolution of content consumption and the growing importance of streaming, Netflix could look to revolutionise the way viewers access the races, offering a more immersive and personalised experience.

If Netflix is ​​successful in securing the rights to F1, it could radically change the way American fans watch the series. Unlike traditional television networks, Netflix could offer ad-free streaming, exclusive content and interactive features that would enhance the viewing experience.

In addition, a streaming platform would allow users to watch races on demand, eliminating the need to adhere to fixed broadcast schedules. This would especially benefit younger fans, who are used to consuming content whenever and wherever they want.

Despite the potential benefits, Netflix faces several challenges if it decides to acquire F1 streaming rights in the US. One of the biggest hurdles is cost. ESPN has been paying around $85 million a year for the rights, and any new offer is expected to far exceed this figure.

Another challenge is the acceptance of the F1 community. Many purists might be skeptical about the idea of ​​a streaming platform controlling the broadcast of the championship. The lack of experience in live coverage of sporting events could also be a disadvantage for Netflix compared to traditional sports networks.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that he will not be incurring any costs related to the Cadillac-F1 partnership. There has been speculation in recent months about Cadillac’s possible entry into Formula 1, but Horner has been adamant that Red Bull will not pay for the American brand’s integration into the sport.

Cadillac has expressed interest in entering F1 as an engine supplier or even a team, but negotiations have been difficult. Horner has insisted that any deal must be financially viable and that Red Bull will not bear any additional costs arising from such a move.

If Netflix is ​​successful in securing the US streaming rights to F1, it would mark a turning point in the sport’s history, with streaming cementing itself as the primary means of consumption for fans. However, there are still many unanswered questions about how Netflix would handle production and coverage of the races.

Horner’s stance on Cadillac, on the other hand, reflects the complexity of F1’s negotiations and the need for any new addition to the sport to be financially sustainable. With the changes on the horizon, Formula 1 could be entering a new era of technological and commercial transformation.

Netflix could become the next big player in F1 if it can secure the US streaming rights, while Christian Horner remains adamant about not taking on additional costs for Cadillac. With these strategic moves, motorsport’s top flight continues to evolve, adapting to a world where streaming and financial decisions play a more crucial role than ever.