Apple TV’s Formula 1 Debut Surpasses ESPN’s Previous Viewership
Apple TV’s inaugural broadcast of the 2026 Formula 1 season’s opening race has outperformed ESPN’s viewership from the previous year. The Australian Grand Prix, held last weekend, marked the beginning of Apple’s exclusive five-year U.S. streaming partnership with Formula 1. Early data indicates a significant increase in audience engagement compared to the 2025 Australian Grand Prix aired on ESPN.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, highlighted the strong start, noting that the viewership exceeded both Apple and Formula 1’s expectations. While Apple maintains its policy of not disclosing exact figures, it’s noteworthy that ESPN’s 2025 broadcast averaged approximately 1.1 million viewers. Any increase beyond this benchmark signifies a promising beginning for Apple’s venture into live sports streaming.
Apple’s approach to Formula 1 coverage is tailored for the streaming audience, offering features such as 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, multiple camera angles, and the ability to follow individual driver cameras. Additionally, the platform provides Multiview and a specialized Podium View feed showcasing post-race celebrations.
Looking ahead, the season includes races in Miami and Montreal, which are expected to attract even larger U.S. audiences. This positive reception underscores Apple’s successful foray into live sports broadcasting and sets a strong foundation for the future of Formula 1 streaming on Apple TV.
