Apple seeks US television rights for F1 film production.

      "Annual value could reach $121 million"

      Apple is poised to increase its engagement in Formula 1. The technology giant based in the US is reportedly thrilled with the box office success of the new Brad Pitt film F1, which was made by Apple Original Films and filmed using specialized camera technology based on the iPhone. According to the Financial Times, negotiations are underway with Formula 1 as Apple aims to replace ESPN, which is owned by Disney, as the sport’s broadcaster in the US. The publication states that the current F1-ESPN agreement is valued at $85 million annually. "Citi analysts have previously projected that the next US broadcast deal for F1 might be valued at $121 million per year, though this was prior to the film's release," FT noted. Recently, four-time world champion Max Verstappen acknowledged that he has not yet seen the F1 movie, joking, "I’ll download it on Apple."