As the 2026 Formula 1 season revs up in Miami for the first of three U.S. races, Apple’s SVP of Services and Health, Eddy Cue, sat down with the press to discuss the tech giant’s deepening ties with the sport. From a possible F1 movie sequel to expanded streaming rights and a top executive’s genuine love for racing, Cue shared insights that paint a picture of Apple’s long-term commitment to motorsports. Here’s what we learned in a Q&A format.
1. What did Eddy Cue reveal about a potential F1 movie sequel?
When asked about the buzz surrounding a follow-up to the hit Formula 1 film, Cue hinted that Apple is actively exploring the idea. He emphasized that the first movie’s success demonstrated the sport’s massive storytelling potential, and a sequel could dive deeper into the behind-the-scenes drama of the paddock. While no official green light has been given, Cue noted that Apple is in early conversations with key stakeholders, including teams and drivers. The goal, he said, would be to capture the raw emotion and high-stakes competition that define F1, while also showcasing the technological innovations—like those from Apple—that are reshaping the sport. Back to top
2. How is Apple expanding its streaming rights for Formula 1?
Cue confirmed that Apple is aggressively pursuing additional streaming rights to bring more F1 content to its platforms. Currently, Apple TV+ carries select races and documentaries, but the company is negotiating for exclusive live coverage of certain Grands Prix, starting with the Miami event in 2026. This expansion would include not only race broadcasts but also pre- and post-race shows, driver interviews, and immersive behind-the-wall access. Cue highlighted that live sports are a key growth area for Apple’s services segment, and F1’s global fanbase makes it a natural fit. He also revealed plans to integrate real-time telemetry data and interactive features, allowing viewers to switch between onboard cameras or watch team radio on demand. Back to top
3. What role does John Ternus’s love for racing play in Apple’s F1 involvement?
John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of Hardware Engineering, is an avid racing enthusiast—and that passion has become a secret weapon for the company’s F1 strategy. Cue shared that Ternus often visits tracks and has built genuine relationships with engineers and drivers, giving Apple unique insights into the sport’s technical demands. This hands-on interest helped shape the design of Apple’s race-day tools, such as custom dashboards for teams and specialized Camera systems for broadcasting. Cue joked that Ternus “lives for race weekends” and brings that energy back to Cupertino, inspiring teams to innovate. More than just a fan, Ternus acts as a bridge between the racing world and Apple’s engineering culture, ensuring that the company’s contributions are both authentic and cutting-edge. Back to top
4. Why is Miami significant in Apple’s broader F1 strategy?
The Miami Grand Prix isn’t just another race on the calendar—it’s the anchor of Apple’s U.S. expansion plan for F1. Cue explained that the event serves as a showcase for new technologies Apple is developing specifically for motorsport. For instance, Apple will debut an enhanced augmented reality experience at the track, allowing fans to overlay car telemetry onto their iPhones. Miami also provides a perfect testing ground for Apple’s live streaming infrastructure, given the city’s massive fan base and its status as a global media hub. Additionally, Apple views Miami as a gateway to the Latin American market, where F1 is surging in popularity. By aligning its investment with the GP, Apple aims to create a template for future partnerships in other cities. Back to top
5. How does Apple’s involvement in F1 align with its services and health focus?
Eddy Cue, whose portfolio includes both Services and Health, sees a natural synergy between F1 and Apple’s wellness initiatives. F1 drivers rely on extreme physical conditioning, and Apple Watch data (like heart rate, sleep, and recovery metrics) can help teams optimize athlete performance. Cue hinted at upcoming partnerships that would allow teams to securely share aggregated health data with trainers and nutritionists via Apple’s platforms. On the services side, Apple is exploring offering premium health-focused content tied to race weekends—think guided meditations for fans, workout challenges synced to lap times, or exclusive driver-led fitness sessions on Apple Fitness+. This holistic approach helps Apple position its ecosystem as essential for both entertainment and well-being. Back to top
6. What are the key details about the Miami Grand Prix’s role in the 2026 season?
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix marks the first of three U.S. races that year, making it a critical stop for Apple and the sport. Cue confirmed that Apple will be the exclusive technology partner for the event, providing everything from broadcasting equipment to fan engagement platforms. The race will also be the debut venue for Apple’s new multi-camera drone system, which offers unprecedented aerial angles. In terms of timing, the Miami GP is scheduled early in the season, which Cue noted gives Apple an opportunity to gather data and refine its offerings ahead of the other U.S. races. The event is expected to draw a record crowd, and Apple is preparing digital activations both at the track and on its devices, including a special Miami-themed Apple Watch face and a F1 workout playlist on Apple Music. Back to top
7. How does Apple plan to engage fans through its platforms during the Miami GP?
Fan engagement is at the heart of Apple’s Miami GP strategy, and Cue outlined a multi-platform approach. On Apple TV+, viewers will get access to an interactive “Race Day” experience with multiple camera angles, real-time stats, and instant highlights curated by machine learning. Apple Music will host exclusive driver playlists and a live radio stream from the paddock. The Apple Store app will offer limited-edition watch bands and case designs tied to the race. Cue also teased a new feature on Apple News that curates the best F1 stories from global outlets, personalized for each user. Offline, Apple will host pop-up “Driver Tech Talks” at the track, where fans can meet engineers and try out gear. For Cue, the goal is to make every fan feel like part of the action, no matter where they watch. Back to top