In the world of entertainment, masterstrokes aren’t improvised. And Apple seems to have a clear roadmap: turning Formula 1 into not just a cinematic phenomenon, but also a cornerstone of its digital content strategy.
When I went to see F1: The Movie, I have to admit I didn’t expect to walk out that impressed. Not just by the on-track action, but by the cinematic treatment of a sport that, for years, was considered niche by many in the U.S. The truth is, Apple captured the essence of F1 brilliantly… and the audience confirmed it: over $300 million at the box office in record time.
It’s no coincidence that now, following the film’s success, the company wants to go even further: acquiring streaming rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship in the United States. It’s a move that makes sense and more importantly, a forward-thinking one.
Currently, Disney (via ESPN) holds the U.S. rights to F1, but no longer exclusively. That opens the door for Apple to join the bidding… and when you’re talking about a company with practically unlimited resources, the outcome becomes hard to predict.
More than just competition, what catches my eye is how F1 viewership has skyrocketed: from just over half a million to more than 1.3 million in under two years. Sure, “Drive to Survive” played a key role, but now Apple wants to be the one setting the next fastest lap.
They already have baseball and soccer, but adding F1 to their platform would be a massive leap. A leap that not only diversifies their offering but also cements their presence as a serious player in sports entertainment.
What Apple is building isn’t just business it’s an experience. From the film to Sunday’s live coverage, the goal is clear: make Formula 1 feel more thrilling, more immersive, and more personal.
As a fan of both tech and motorsport, this isn’t just business news. It’s a sign of how two worlds cinema and sport can come together naturally when there’s vision. If all goes as expected, it won’t be long before we’re watching Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes roar… with an Apple logo in the background.
See you on the track!
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