(Motorsport-Total.com) – Formula 1 is launching its next major attack in the USA. With the official start of the partnership between the premier class and Apple TV, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali underscores his ambitious vision: He wants to anchor the sport deep in US culture – on par with giants like the NFL or the NBA.
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From the 2026 season, Apple TV will be the exclusive broadcasting partner of Formula 1 in the United States, replacing the long-standing broadcaster ESPN. At a press event in Los Angeles, Domenicali, together with Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, prepared fans for this new era.
“More than just a dream”
Domenicali sees the collaboration with the tech giant as the decisive lever to reach US fans even more directly. “This is a great opportunity that we will approach with passion and determination because we are persistent,” the Italian said combatively via F1.com.
For the F1 boss, the goal is clearly defined: Formula 1 should not remain a niche product for early risers, but become an integral part of everyday sporting life overseas.
“I have always said to Eddy: We have a dream that is more than just a dream – it is a commitment to our fans to develop the sport in such a way that Formula 1 becomes a part of the culture here in the United States,” said Domenicali.
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In doing so, he shows great respect for the established sports landscape in the USA, but deliberately sets the bar high: “Our dream would be that one day you don’t just wake up to follow the Super Bowl, the NBA, or the MLS, but also Formula 1. That is exactly what we will tackle together.”
The “Apple Effect”: From feature film to broadcaster
The exclusive partnership is the next logical step in an increasingly close integration. The foundation was already laid with the F1 feature film, a production by Apple Original Films.
The 2026 Formula 1 cars in their final designs on the race track
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by legend Jerry Bruckheimer, the film brought Hollywood greats like Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and Damson Idris into the premier class paddock. The fact that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was not only in front of the camera but also served as an executive producer underscored the authenticity of the project.
Since its release in June 2025, the film has massively fueled interest in the sport – now Apple TV is to use this momentum to take coverage to a new level from 2026.
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