Formula One executives are facing mounting questions over transparency as the sport champions its lucrative new broadcast partnership with Apple in the United States. Despite claims from leadership that the transition away from traditional linear television is a massive success, precise viewership numbers remain strictly under wraps.
"We are changing the way that today we need to monitor our content," stated Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during a recent media briefing. "It's not anymore the linear TV. I think that today we are more interested to create a bigger awareness and bigger streaming content. And that's the reason why we went to Apple, in that respect."
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SubscribeApple took over the exclusive five-year US broadcast rights starting in 2026, replacing ESPN, which had held the rights since 2018. The move aligns with F1's aggressive strategy to capture American audiences through digital platforms, capitalizing on the explosive growth of three annual grands prix in the country and the entry of Cadillac onto the grid.
While external critics point to the lack of transparent metrics as a transparency concern, series leadership maintains complete confidence in the partnership's trajectory. Domenicali noted that while Apple's corporate policy restricts public data sharing, internal indicators point toward substantial multi-platform growth during the opening half of the season.
Domenicali Pushes for Greater Transparency Moving Forward
"Apple, as you know, is confirming that we saw that the numbers are very, very good," Domenicali added. "In their policy, they are not really the ones that are able to share their numbers with everyone. But I think that we are in a situation where we are now pushing them, respectfully, to show the fact."
As the sport navigates this digital shift away from traditional broadcasting models, F1 leadership promises that fans and stakeholders will soon see concrete proof of the platform's reach. For now, the racing organization asks audiences to trust the streaming process as the multi-year venture continues to evolve.
Formula One leadership is actively urging its digital partner to find ways to share quantifiable audience metrics with the public. The racing series believes that demonstrating verified growth is vital for satisfying skeptics who miss the accessible data reporting of the previous ESPN era.
"Therefore, you know, I think that soon you will have a good surprise because we are pushing them to do it," Domenicali emphasized regarding the release of future viewing figures.