Circuit of the Americas - Photo: Race Pictures

No Drive to Survive changes: Apple and Netflix to 'drive more viewers'

19:03, 17 Oct

Updated: 19:08, 17 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Apple's senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, has said that Netflix are a "great partner" and that no changes will occur to the Drive to Survive series.

It comes after the technology company secured broadcasting rights to the pinnacle of motorsport, with their streaming service Apple TV becoming the sole broadcaster of F1 in the United States, hosting all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grand Prix.

F1's growth in the US has included the Apple Original film, F1: The Movie, which has grossed over $630 million globally to date, along with the Drive to Survive series from Netflix, with Cue explaining that the two streaming giants will be working closely together next year.

The Circuit of the Americas will host one of three races in the US next season - Photo: Race Pictures

"Netflix is highly available on all of our platforms, and they're a great partner to Apple," Cue stated.

"We love the fact that they're doing Drive to Survive, and I think we will drive more viewers to them, and they'll drive more viewers to us.

"That's a win-win for both of us. This is about growing the sport in a huge way. That is the opportunity that we have."

Domenicali comments on the move

The new broadcast agreement will see ESPN's time as the rights holder to F1 end when the 2025 season concludes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Along with the new deal for Apple TV, F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the U.S. via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also had his thoughts on the new broadcast deal and what the future for Drive to Survive looks like with Apple now involved.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali - Photo: Race Pictures

"Some of the broadcasters were worried when Drive to Survive was introduced. Actually, now it's the other way around," the Italian explained.

"It is understanding that the world is big. The potential offers that everyone who's working with us can bring to others as a benefit are really there.

"So, it's just a matter of integrating the different pieces together. That's why the answer was straightforward to say no."

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