Apple could soon be bidding for Formula 1 streaming rights in more countries than the United States, according to comments from the sport's chief executive.
Speaking on the latest earnings call of F1's parent company, Liberty Media, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said both sides are pleased with the arrangement that gives Apple exclusive US streaming rights this year, with every race available on Apple TV. Asked by an investor about Apple's appetite for other markets, he said he expects the company to bid for rights elsewhere "as the opportunities become available," adding that if there are chances in other markets, Apple will pursue them, as reported by 9to5Mac.
Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang also weighed in, describing Apple as a potential bidder in additional markets as "helpful" for the business, according to the same report.
No country is named, and the UK looks closed
Neither executive pointed to a specific target country. The only market mentioned in the report is the United Kingdom, where Sky has renewed its F1 rights through 2034, which appears to keep Apple out of that market for the time being.
A portfolio approach
According to the report, Formula 1 is not looking for a single global media partner. Instead it wants a portfolio of deals, picking the best partner in each region. That approach leaves room for Apple to win individual markets without being given a worldwide package.
Apple and the league have said the US response has been positive, though neither publishes detailed viewership figures, so it is hard to measure how the first season has performed on Apple TV.
What it means for Apple TV
Live sports have become a larger part of Apple's services pitch, and an international F1 expansion would give the Apple TV service more reason to appeal to viewers outside the US. For now, though, the comments amount to an expectation from F1's leadership rather than an announcement from Apple. Apple has not said it plans to bid in any particular country, and rights deals in most markets depend on contracts and timing that are outside the company's control.
Apple's other hardware news this week is separate: MacRumors reports the HomeView hub and the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K are set to be released on November 13.
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