F1 2026 Midseason Report: Record Crowds, Antonelli's Rise, and What Domenicali Revealed About the Future

Global Viewership Surges in Key Markets

Television audiences grew sharply across several major markets. In Brazil, race weekend audiences were up to five times larger than in 2025; the British Grand Prix reached a record 18 million viewers there, the largest single-market audience for any F1 race globally since 2020. Italian TV audiences rose 27% through the British Grand Prix compared to 2025, with several races posting their highest Italian audiences in years. In China, weekend TV audiences for the Chinese Grand Prix more than doubled year-on-year. The Monaco Grand Prix reached nearly 80 million viewers globally, up double digits versus 2025.

Apple's U.S. Broadcast Partnership: Strong Early Signals, No Specific Numbers Yet

Domenicali said the Apple deal, which replaced ESPN as the U.S. broadcaster starting in 2026, reflects changing viewing habits and that the early indicators are strong: "the numbers are very, very good." Apple has stated it is "delivering excellent viewership and engagement" across its platforms, but has not yet released specific viewership figures. Domenicali previously said Apple's eventual reach via streaming and connectivity "will be even bigger in the future" than ESPN's was.

Kimi Antonelli: The Teenage Championship Leader

Domenicali called Antonelli an "incredible asset" for F1. The teenager became the youngest-ever driver to lead the championship after winning six Grands Prix in the first 11 rounds. Domenicali said he expects an "incredible event" at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza as Antonelli prepares for his first home weekend since becoming a race winner.

Max Verstappen's Future in Formula 1

Domenicali expressed confidence that Verstappen will remain in F1, saying: "Formula 1 is big enough for him to be part of it" and that the two have an "incredible relationship." He noted that they regularly discuss both Verstappen's future and the direction of the regulations, and that he sees no signs the four-time world champion wants to leave the sport.

Planned 2027 Regulation Changes

Domenicali confirmed that engine regulations will be adjusted from 2027 with the aim of reducing the role of energy management during Grands Prix. F1 had wanted to go "even more aggressive" with the changes—changes he believes would have made Verstappen "very happy"—but was limited by the need for approval from teams, manufacturers, and the FIA. He said drivers who have already tested the 2027 changes on simulators report the direction is "going in the right direction."