Katarzyna Petru
IMAX has officially announced a close collaboration with Apple, aimed at bringing the excitement of Formula 1 directly to the biggest cinema screens. For now, the project is focused on the American market, where the popularity of the "queen of motorsport" is hitting record highs, and Apple TV holds the broadcasting rights for the races. This, however, is a signal for the entire global market – cinemas are no longer just venues for movie premieres, but are becoming arenas for the biggest live sporting events!
Five Iconic Grand Prix in IMAX Format
The collaboration plan is very specific: at least 50 IMAX cinemas in the USA will let fans watch live the five most important races of the 2026 season. The schedule includes the Grand Prix in Miami (3rd May), Monaco (7th June), Silverstone (5th July), Monza (6th September), and Austin (25th October). This shift from traditional nature documentaries to the Premium Large Format (PLF) shows how IMAX is adapting to new viewer expectations. Thanks to modern laser projection, cinemas can now stream live content without worrying about operating costs, offering fans a precision that no home television can replace.
From Success in Hollywood to Real Emotions on the Track
Not insignificantly, the success of the cinematic hit about Formula 1 directed by Joseph Kosinski played a role in this collaboration. This production proved that the speed and sound of the racing cars fit perfectly with cinematic sound systems and massive screens. IMAX now wants to convert this cinematic interest into a permanent format, offering viewers a "stadium" atmosphere. Jonathan Fischer from IMAX highlights that the collaboration with Apple is a natural step in building a portfolio of premium content that allows fans to experience sport in a way that was previously reserved exclusively for major feature productions.
Apple Vision Pro and the virtual cockpit in F1
However, the most exciting events may take place outside the cinema. Already on 4th March, Apple is planning a special presentation where (according to the announcement) we will learn details about the broadcasts in Apple Immersive Video format. With a dedicated IMAX app on the Apple Vision Pro goggles, fans could virtually sit in the cockpit of the car, using a 3D image in 180 degrees. This is no longer just passive viewing of the race, but total immersion in the world of F1, set to kick off with the new season on 8th March.
