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Apple Experiences Huge Success as Formula 1’s Official U.S. Broadcaster in 2026 As Viewership Takes Off
TL;DR
Apple has become the official U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1 in 2026, experiencing a significant surge in viewership after just three races. This increase indicates a growing interest in F1 among American audiences compared to last year's figures with ESPN.
Key points
- Apple is the official U.S. broadcaster for Formula 1 in 2026
- Viewership has surged compared to last year with ESPN
- The increase indicates growing interest in F1 among American audiences
Mentioned in this story
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Apple became the official broadcaster of Formula 1 in the United States this year, and after just three Grands Prix, the brand is experiencing an impressive viewership surge.
Apple’s senior vice president, Eddy Cue, confirmed ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix that viewership has been much higher than the figures witnessed last year with ESPN, F1’s former broadcaster.
The surge in viewership across race weekends is a positive sign for Apple and F1, as it points to a growing appetite for the sport among American audiences.
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Speaking about the early success at the Autosport Business Exchange Miami on Friday, Cue told Motorsport.com:
“The ratings were way up over where they were last year on linear for the first three races, significantly. Not only did we see more viewers, but we also saw more viewers throughout the weekend. So one of the things that I think I was always excited about is… you look at today and tomorrow and Sunday, all three days are huge.”
Cue spoke as F1 prepped for practice sessions in Miami for the race weekend, highlighting the opportunities that present themselves over a race weekend. He added:
“Today, you’ve got a practice session with all the changes that are going on. You’ve got the sprint qualifying. Tomorrow you’ve got the sprint race, you’ve got the race qualifying, and then you have the race itself. And so I always thought there was a huge opportunity to grow viewership, not just on Sunday, but all weekend.
Q&A
What viewership increase has Apple seen as F1's U.S. broadcaster?
Apple has reported much higher viewership figures than those recorded last year with ESPN after just three Grands Prix.
Why is Apple's broadcasting of Formula 1 significant for American audiences?
The surge in viewership suggests a growing appetite for Formula 1 among American audiences, marking a positive trend for both Apple and the sport.
Who confirmed the viewership success for Apple as F1's broadcaster?
Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president, confirmed the impressive viewership surge ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.