Apple is clearly setting its sights on a highly spectacular Formula 1. This message emerged strongly during the presentation of the streaming schedule of the “bitten apple” platform, where Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali was also present and spoke openly about expectations for the 2026 season.
The Apple TV press event, held yesterday at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, featured two high-profile figures at its center: Stefano Domenicali and Eddie Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services and a member of the Ferrari NV board. The meeting served as a showcase for the growing partnership between Apple and Formula 1, highlighting how closely the worlds of technology, entertainment, and motorsport are becoming intertwined.
During the event, it was confirmed that Apple will stream all Formula 1 races in 2026 across its platforms in the United States, including qualifying sessions, sprint races, and extensive post-event coverage, at no additional cost for subscribers. Fans will be able to follow the championship on devices such as Apple TV, iPhone, and other compatible products. For the first time in the history of the sport in the US market, broadcasts will also feature major technical upgrades, including 4K resolution and Dolby audio, underlining Apple’s ambition to elevate the viewing experience to a new standard.
The discussion inevitably turned to the extraordinary success of the film “F1”, starring Brad Pitt. The movie has achieved remarkable results, becoming the highest-grossing sports film of all time with more than 631 million dollars in global box office revenue. It also represents the most successful theatrical release in Brad Pitt’s career and the most profitable cinema launch ever for Apple Original Films, distributed by Warner Bros. Adding further prestige, the film has recently received four Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.
The most anticipated question of the event came directly from the audience and concerned the possibility of a sequel to the film. Eddie Cue read the question aloud, calling it “my favorite question of all” and jokingly describing it as a “boomerang”, since both he and Stefano Domenicali would have to answer.
Stefano Domenicali’s reply was direct yet deliberately enigmatic: “Stay tuned. We will tell you something more in the future. We need to digest the success of this movie. If you want to think about a new one, it has to be really, really, really good. So, if it happens, it won’t be for next year.” His words made it clear that no rushed decisions will be taken and that the bar for any potential sequel would be set extremely high.
The former Ferrari team boss went on to explain that, before embarking on any new project, it is essential to fully process the impact of the first film. Any sequel, in his view, would need to justify its existence through exceptional quality. He also expressed genuine surprise at the cultural reach achieved by the movie, saying: “That Formula 1 could be discussed in another dimension like Hollywood, we didn’t think it was possible.” According to Stefano Domenicali, the film has taken Formula 1 into previously unexplored territory, boosting its visibility within Hollywood and strengthening motorsport’s position in the wider entertainment landscape.
Eddie Cue echoed this enthusiasm when speaking about the collaboration between Apple and Formula 1. He stated: “We will bring everything behind Apple, Apple Maps, Apple Music, we will bring everything that Apple has to offer to the fans. It’s an incredibly exciting moment to do this together.” His comments highlighted Apple’s intention to integrate Formula 1 deeply into its broader ecosystem of services and platforms.
In a lighter and more ironic moment, Cue compared the Formula 1 calendar to a series of film productions: “We have 24 F1 movies on Apple TV. I don’t know what the ending is. It’s the best unscripted drama in the world.” By referring to the 24 races as 24 real-life “movies”, he underlined the unpredictable, authentic, and dramatic nature of the sport.
Looking at the partnership from a strategic perspective, Stefano Domenicali reiterated the importance of being relevant on the right platforms: “Relevance is the key to our success, relevance on the right platform.” This statement neatly summarized Formula 1’s approach to growth, visibility, and fan engagement in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
No official confirmation was given regarding a sequel to the film or other projects currently in development. However, Stefano Domenicali’s words clearly left the door open to future announcements, with his explicit invitation to “stay tuned” for updates. For now, the focus remains on fully absorbing the success of the first film and ensuring that any potential follow-up meets the highest possible standards.
At the same time, the Apple–Formula 1 partnership continues to strengthen, driven by technical innovation and deeper integration within the Apple ecosystem. The shared goal is clear: to enhance the fan experience and to position Formula 1 as not only a global sporting competition, but also as a leading form of premium entertainment in the years leading up to and beyond 2026.
The deepening partnership between Apple and Formula 1 signals a new era where technology and storytelling converge to expand the sport’s global footprint. By leveraging the record-breaking success of the “F1” film and introducing high-fidelity 4K streaming, both brands are ensuring that the 2026 season will be more accessible and spectacular than ever before. Ultimately, as Stefano Domenicali suggested, the focus is on maintaining this high-quality momentum, leaving fans eager to see how this “unscripted drama” continues to unfold across both the racetrack and the digital screen.
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