Apple’s entry into the Formula One rights sweepstakes presents an interesting dilemma for the global auto racing league.  After the Financial Times reported that Apple has made a bid for F1’s United States live rights following the early box-office success of F1: The Movie,

According to the network, ESPN2’s telecast of the British Grand Prix averaged 1.5 million viewers, a 19% gain over last year’s telecast and the largest audience ever for the race on U.S. television. That viewership peaked at 1.8 million right around the time Norris took the checkered flag.

The current Formula 1 races on ESPN networks attract an average of 1.3 million viewers, representing a 17% increase from the 2024 full-season average. The 18-49 demographic watches Formula 1 races at an average of 511,000 viewers, representing a 24% increase from the 2024 full season.

Formula 1 fandom in the U.S. has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, performed by the organization itself, polled Formula 1 fans in 186 countries. Of all of these nations, the U.S. "accounts for the largest share of respondents of any individual country," said the survey.

The reason behind this bid? According to the Financial Times, Apple is persuaded by F1’s popularity due in large part to the success of F1 at the box office. Over this past weekend, the movie crossed the $300 million mark at the box office, making it the most successful Apple TV+ original production ever.

After a dramatic final lap in Saturday's qualifying session, Max Verstappen secured pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

With or without a podium, Nico Hulkenberg has always been a top-five driver in Formula 1, according to his former teammate Carlos Sainz.