Apple's F1 Broadcast Surpasses ESPN Viewership as Miami Grand Prix Weekend Ignites

Key facts

• Apple became F1's official U.S. broadcaster in 2025, replacing ESPN.
• Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president, said viewership has been much higher than last year's ESPN figures.
• Charles Leclerc topped the only practice session in Miami, nearly three-tenths ahead of Max Verstappen.
• Ferrari introduced major upgrades for the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
• Fernando Alonso debuted a new Breitling Navitimer watch with a British Racing Green dial, celebrating Breitling's partnership with Aston Martin.
• Williams F1 announced a new partnership with Marvel, featuring Iron Man and Captain America, ahead of the Miami GP.
• Martin Brundle identified eight drivers as potential F1 champions this year.
• An F1 insider described the Miami Grand Prix as the 'relaunch' of the 2026 season.

Apple's U.S. Broadcast Debut Surpasses Expectations

Apple’s first season as Formula 1’s official U.S. broadcaster has opened with viewership numbers that exceed the figures recorded by ESPN, the previous rights holder, Apple’s senior vice president. Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Cue confirmed that the early responses have surpassed the company’s expectations, pointing to a growing appetite for the sport among American audiences. The surge in viewership across race weekends is a positive sign for both Apple and F1, as the partnership enters its inaugural year.

Ferrari Upgrades Pay Off in Miami Practice

Ferrari arrived in Miami with major upgrades for their car, and Charles Leclerc demonstrated the potential of the Scuderia’s performance by topping the only practice session of the weekend. Leclerc’s lap was nearly three-tenths of a second faster than the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion. The result signals that Ferrari may be closing the gap to Red Bull, setting the stage for a competitive weekend.

Alonso and Aston Martin Debut New Partnership with Breitling

Fernando Alonso stepped onto the Miami grid with a new companion on his wrist: a Breitling Navitimer chronograph celebrating the brand’s new partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The timepiece features a striking British Racing Green dial and is powered by the Manufacture Caliber 01. For a driver defined by precision, the watch merges aviation heritage with modern automotive performance, balancing racetrack utility with effortless elegance.

Williams F1 Teams Up with Marvel Ahead of Miami GP

Williams F1 announced a new partnership with Marvel ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, bringing Iron Man and Captain America into the team’s orbit. The collaboration adds a layer of pop-culture appeal to the weekend, as the team looks to capitalize on the growing intersection of entertainment and motorsport in the U.S. market.

Miami Grand Prix Seen as Relaunch of 2026 Season

An F1 insider described the Miami Grand Prix as the ‘relaunch’ of the 2026 season, highlighting the event’s importance in resetting the competitive narrative. With Ferrari’s upgrades, Apple’s broadcast success, and new partnerships, the weekend carries significant weight for the sport’s trajectory in America. Martin Brundle, the former driver and commentator, has identified eight drivers as potential champions this year, underscoring the depth of talent on the grid.

Sprint Qualifying and Weather Concerns Loom

Practice sessions concluded with live text updates and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary, but the action pauses briefly before sprint qualifying build-up resumes at 21:15 BST. Meanwhile, concerns about thunderstorms in Miami could test team strategies, as rain often reshuffles the order. The potential for a wet race adds an element of unpredictability to a weekend already rich with storylines.

American Audiences Drive F1's Growth Trajectory

The combination of Apple’s broadcast reach, Hollywood-style partnerships like Marvel, and the glamour of the Miami setting is fueling F1’s expansion in the United States. Cue’s confirmation of higher viewership compared to ESPN’s tenure suggests that the sport’s investment in digital and streaming platforms is paying off. As the season progresses, the Miami Grand Prix may prove to be a pivotal moment in cementing F1’s place in American sports culture.

The bottom line

• Apple's F1 viewership in the U.S. has already surpassed ESPN's figures, indicating strong early adoption.
• Ferrari's upgrades made an immediate impact, with Leclerc leading practice by nearly three-tenths over Verstappen.
• Alonso's new Breitling watch and Williams' Marvel partnership highlight the growing commercial crossover between F1 and entertainment.
• The Miami Grand Prix is being framed as a relaunch of the 2026 season, with implications for team strategies and championship dynamics.
• Weather could play a decisive role, with thunderstorms forecast that may test driver and team adaptability.
• Martin Brundle's list of eight potential champions reflects the competitive depth of the current F1 field.