F1 viewership drops significantly in first year on Apple TV
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Viewership for Formula One races has declined significantly in the U.S. after the series transitioned from ESPN to Apple TV this season. A recent analysis shows that six out of nine races experienced declines of 13 percent or more, with the Miami Grand Prix down 68 percent and the Monaco Grand Prix down 66 percent year-over-year. This is attributed to Apple TV's more limited audience reach compared to ESPN and ABC, which previously aired these events. The first three races of the season saw minimal declines, suggesting hardcore fans may still be tuning in. However, the reliability of the viewership data is questioned, as Samba's analysis method may not capture the full picture due to privacy concerns with Apple devices.
- •F1 races now airing on Apple TV instead of ESPN this season.
- •Six races showed declines of 13% or greater in viewership.
- •Miami Grand Prix fell 68% compared to last year.
- •Monaco Grand Prix experienced a 66% year-over-year decline.
- •Early season races had minimal viewership declines.
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Analysis shows F1 viewership on Apple TV down significantly from ESPN
"With Formula One races making their way from ESPN to Apple TV this season, it was sensible to predict that the glitzy open-wheel racing circuit would see some viewership erosion in the United States. That’s not a dig at F1, that’s simply reality. ESPN and its sister broadcast network ABC, which aired select races last…
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