Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, has dropped significant hints about the company’s next big move in sports broadcasting. Speaking at a recent event, Cue openly expressed his interest in Formula 1. This statement further fueled rumors that Apple is close to a $140 million annual deal for F1’s US broadcast rights.

Apple: We love Formula 1!

Eddy Cue criticized the current sports streaming market, stating that the industry has become more complex than it used to be. He stated that while a single cable TV subscription used to provide access to nearly all sports content, viewers now have to juggle numerous different subscriptions. Cue emphasized the need to address this fragmented structure, stating that the solution lies in a more “bundling” and “consolidation” approach. As evidence of Apple’s adoption of this strategy, a new subscription package combining Apple TV and Peacock was recently announced.

When the topic of Formula 1 came up, Eddy Cue clearly expressed Apple’s love for the sport, saying, “We really love F1.” Rumors suggest Apple may announce its long-awaited Formula 1 streaming package deal at this weekend’s US Grand Prix in Austin. This deal is believed to be directly related to Cue’s strategy to reduce streaming clutter.

One of the most notable outcomes of the deal could be the suspension of F1’s own streaming service, F1 TV, in the US. If Apple acquires the rights exclusively, it could aim to unite F1 fans on a single platform. This aligns with Eddy Cue’s criticism that “it needs to be easier to switch between different broadcasters and utilize technological features like picture-in-picture.” Apple’s goal may be to provide viewers with a more integrated and seamless viewing experience.

So, what are your thoughts on Apple acquiring the Formula 1 streaming rights? What impact do you think such a deal would have on the sport and its viewers? Share your opinions with us in the comments.