Apple TV concluded its first-ever press day in Santa Monica by hosting a conversation between the company’s Eddy Cue and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who traveled from Europe for the event. This discussion came shortly after Joseph Kosinski’s “F1: The Movie” earned four Academy Award nominations, including best picture, highlighting the ongoing excitement surrounding Formula 1’s Apple TV launch.
Interest Builds Around Potential Formula 1 Film Follow-up
During a Q&A session, Eddy Cue revealed a pressing question from the press about the possibility of a sequel to the widely successful Formula 1 movie. Holding an iPad with submitted inquiries, Cue remarked,
“It’s my favorite question of all, and it’s kind of a boomerang because both of us will answer: Is there going to be another Formula 1 movie given the success and how great the first movie was.”
In response, Stefano Domenicali hinted at more news in the future. He said,
“We’re going to tell you something more in the future. Never say never. But we need to digest more the success of this movie because it was something unique. And if you want to think of a new one, it has to be really, very, very good. Therefore, if this will happen, it will not be for next year. But maybe next year we’re going to be here [at the press day], and hopefully we have something more to announce [then].”
Apple TV’s Formula 1 Launch and Exclusive Content Plans
Shifting focus back to the Formula 1 Apple TV launch, Cue announced,
“I’ve got a great announcement for it. We’ve got 24 F1 movies this year on Apple TV,”
referring to the series of races scheduled for the upcoming season. He added,
“I don’t know the ending, and so it is the best unscripted drama that there could be in the world.”
Both Cue and Domenicali acknowledged the strong partnership between Apple and Formula 1, expressing optimism about future collaborations without confirming any immediate plans for a sequel.
Ensuring Authenticity and High Production Values
Domenicali reflected on the initial discussions about the film project. He recalled,
“I remember very clearly in February 2021, when you, together with [Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer] came to my office to discuss this new idea. I was fascinated by it, of course, but also worried about creating the right ecosystem and making sure that the project was real and authentic.”
He emphasized,
“Because for us, it was really crucial to make sure that we could present our world in a context of Hollywood and a movie and be real.”
He described the collaboration as “an incredible experience” and highlighted the positive outlook surrounding the launch of Formula 1 races on Apple TV.
Innovative Viewing Features for Formula 1 Fans
Discussing the upcoming broadcast, Eddy Cue emphasized the advanced technology Apple is introducing.
“One of the first things that you’re going to notice is 4k and Dolby. You say, ‘Well, 4k has been in existence,’ but most 4k gets compressed a lot. If you’ve ever watched one of our Major League Baseball games, you’re amazed at the quality and resolution you see when you’re watching on TV. You’re going to see that for the first time in Formula 1,”
Cue stated.
He also explained that viewers will have access to a four-quadrant split-screen option, allowing them to watch the race, follow specific drivers, view data, and enjoy additional features. Cue added,
“We’ve got all these new experiences. We’re going to use iPhones in places that you’ve never been able to put a camera. This is just the beginning of an incredible partnership that we’re working on together.”
Apple’s Commitment to Enhancing the Formula 1 Experience
Cue assured fans that Apple’s broader ecosystem would enhance the Formula 1 viewing experience through integrations with Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and more. He said,
“We’re going to bring everything that Apple has to bear onto the fans so that they get the best experience possible.”
Looking Forward: The Future of Formula 1
When asked about the outlook for Formula 1, Domenicali was optimistic.
“The future of F1 has to be bright because it’s up to us and we need to think big because we moved the sport not only as it was in the past on the track but we’re moving the sport in a different cultural dimension. … It’s a matter of expanding our content.”
His comments suggest that continuing to grow the sport’s reach with innovative content will remain a priority, leaving open the possibility of further media projects in collaboration with Apple TV.
