The United States broadcast rights for Formula 1 could be set for a bidding war.According to a report from Samuel Agini and Michael Acton at the Financial Times, Apple is in discussion with the racing series to take over the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States.

Apple is in talks to acquire the U.S. broadcast rights to screen Formula 1 when the contract becomes available next year, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, following the success of Brad Pitt-starrer "F1: The Movie".

As per the FT report, Apple is competing with ESPN, owned by Disney, for the next cycle of Formula 1 rights in the U.S. market. The report describes the move as an attempt to build on the growing American interest in the sport, adding that it “could mark a significant move by Apple to expand its presence in live sports broadcasting.”