Apple has big plans for its F1 streaming service. Image source: Apple
Apple wants there to be a sequel to “F1: The Movie,” said vice president Eddy Cue, as the company hopes to increase its involvement in motorsport in the future.
Apple has multiple ties to Formula 1, being the official broadcaster of the sport in the United States. It’s also behind the Brad Pitt vehicle “F1: The Movie,” which is also the most-watched film on Apple TV.
With these successes in hand, Apple expects there to be more on both sides of the story.
Speaking to the press at the Miami Grand Prix on May 1, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, talked about both the real and fictional versions of Formula 1.
Of the film, Cue said: “I hope and hope there will be one,” reports Reuters.
Cue’s hope is well founded, as the film grossed over $600 million at the box office, based on an estimated production cost of around $200 million. In February, producer Jerry Bruckheimer said work was underway on a sequel.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told reporters in February that a sequel would not happen in 2026, but strongly hinted it was on the horizon.
Even so, there is no official confirmation yet that such a model will actually be produced.
F1 growing
Apple’s current coverage of F1 in the US has been well received, with Cue very happy with how it has gone so far. However, he says Apple wants to do more to grow its presence.
He acknowledges that F1 isn’t getting a global license, but that doesn’t hurt Apple’s intentions. Cue says he hopes Apple can expand into other areas and markets with its streaming coverage.
Starting in the United States is a “huge market” for Apple, and building within it is “definitely the right path” to progress, Cue believes. “And then of course it would be great to expand it.”
Earlier in April, Cue said that 30% of people who watch F1 use the multi-view feature.
As for the CEO transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus, Cue believes this will only further strengthen Apple’s relationship with F1.
Ternus drives a Porsche and is an amateur driver, Cue explained, adding “He would actually be here this weekend but he’s at Laguna Seca.” Cue believes Ternus would end up doing more races than Cook and is a “huge, huge F1 fan”.