Last year, Apple TV and Formula 1 announced that the 2026 F1 season would be exclusive to the streamer in a five-year deal estimated to be worth between $140 million and $150 million annually.
In the U.S., the sport had been exclusive to ESPN for several years. However, the move to Apple TV looks set to be hugely beneficial to F1, something that's evident from the promotional push the company gave to F1: The Movie and recently announced plans for a handful of races to be screened in IMAX.
Now, it's been confirmed that Apple will partner with Netflix, allowing the rival streamer to simulcast the F1 Canadian Grand Prix on May 22-24 in exchange for the entirety of Drive to Survive Season 8 premiering on Apple TV today (it premiered on Netflix at the same time earlier today).
During a conference call, Eddy Cue, Apple's senior VP of services, said, "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."
Apple is going all in on Formula 1, with promotional pushes planned with MLB and MLS. F1 content will also be integrated into its other apps, including Apple News, Apple Maps, and Apple Music.
Here's a full breakdown of what to expect from Drive to Survive Season 8, along with the official promo announcing Apple and Netflix's surprise partnership:
Episode 1: New Kids on the Track
As a new season begins under the lights of London's O2 Arena, six rookies join the grid and a seven-time World Champion hangs his helmet in a new garage.
Episode 2: Strictly Business
Alpine's brutal tactics and Kick Sauber's softer ethos go head-to-head at the back of the grid as rookies struggle to keep their Formula 1 dreams alive.
Episode 3: The Number 1 Problem
At a scorching Bahrain opener, McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both chase the title, but only one can win as their fight becomes a mental war.
Episode 4: A Bull with no Horns
Red Bull's hunt for pace in Japan exposes car flaws and second-seat tension, while Christian Horner feels the walls closing in.
Episode 5: The Sky's the Limit
In Miami, Williams enters a new era as Alex Albon soars and Carlos Sainz struggles to adapt. With tension rising, is the team backing the right driver?
Episode 6: The Duel
Mercedes and Ferrari fight for second in the Constructors' title as rookie Kimi Antonelli and legend Lewis Hamilton shoulder expectations in new teams.
Episode 7: What Happens in Vegas
Vegas delivers glitz, risk and a new team principal working the pit wall. With the stakes higher than ever, McLaren are willing to take a gamble.
Episode 8: Call Me Chucky
After a Vegas setback, McLaren reach Abu Dhabi with their lead under threat from the reigning World Champion. When the flag falls, who holds their nerve?