The long-gestating streaming rights deal between Apple and Formula 1 is apparently reaching the finish line. In his newsletter, Puck’s John Ourand reports that the two sides have nearly finalized negotiations, with an eye to announce the partnership at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix on 17-19 October, held in Austin.
Apparently, the protracted discussions relate to a dispute over the existence of the independent F1.TV streaming service in the United States. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Apple — who would be paying upwards of $150 million a year for the rights — wants streaming exclusivity and therefore F1.TV to be shuttered in the region.
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