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Formula 1 viewership drops amid broadcasting shift to Apple TV

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 5:15 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Formula 1 viewership drops amid broadcasting shift to Apple TV

Summary

Formula 1 has experienced a significant drop in U.S. viewership this season, coinciding with its move from ESPN to Apple TV. Data from Samba indicates that household reach declined for eight of nine analyzed races, with Miami and Monaco seeing decreases of 68% and 66%, respectively. Although Liberty Media claims that total hours watched have increased, the broader audience has contracted, suggesting a more dedicated but smaller viewer base. The Japanese Grand Prix remained the only race without a decline year over year. Apple TV's rollout has drawn in new users, but many may not continue with the service after initial trials.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Miami race viewership down 68% year over year, Monaco down 66%
•Liberty Media notes increase in total hours watched despite fewer viewers
•Japanese Grand Prix remains flat in viewership from previous year
•Apple TV may be attracting new users but retention is unclear
•Current F1 agreement with Apple runs through the 2030 season

Latest Updates

5:15 PMYahoo Sports — Formula 1 Viewership is Falling Off a Cliff

What they're saying

"
If you ask any F1 fan why the sports viewership has fallen off a cliff this year, they'd likely point to the new regulations. And while drivers have also publicly criticized motorsport formula for 2027, that's not the real reason.
— Yahoo Sports

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