Katarzyna Petru
IMAX officially announced a close collaboration with Apple, aimed at bringing the excitement of Formula 1 tracks directly to the largest cinema screens. For now, the project focuses on the American market, where the popularity of the "queen of motorsport" is hitting records, and Apple TV holds broadcasting rights for the races. However, this 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 sports events!
Five iconic Grand Prix in IMAX format
The collaboration plan is very specific: fans will be able to see five of the most important races of the 2026 season live in at least 50 IMAX theaters across the USA. The schedule includes the Grand Prix in Miami (May 3), Monaco (June 7), Silverstone (July 5), Monza (September 6), and Austin (October 25). This shift from traditional nature documentaries to the Premium Large Format (PLF) shows how IMAX is adapting to new audience expectations. Thanks to modern laser projection, theaters can now broadcast live content without concerns about operational costs, offering fans a precision that no home television can replace.
From Success in Hollywood to Real Emotions on the Track
The success of the Formula 1 film directed by Joseph Kosinski was significant for this collaboration. This production proved that the speed and sound of the racing cars fit perfectly with cinema sound systems and large screens. IMAX now wants to convert this cinematic interest into a permanent format, offering viewers a "stadium" atmosphere. Jonathan Fischer from IMAX emphasizes that partnering with Apple is a natural step in building a portfolio of premium content that allows fans to experience sports in a way that was previously reserved exclusively for major feature films.
Apple Vision Pro and the Virtual Cockpit in F1
However, the most interesting things may happen outside the cinema. On March 4, Apple plans a special presentation, during which (according to announcements) we will learn details about broadcasting in the Apple Immersive Video format. Thanks to the dedicated IMAX application on the Apple Vision Pro goggles, fans could virtually sit in the cockpit of the car, using 3D imagery in 180 degrees. This is no longer just passive viewing of the race, but a complete immersion in the world of F1, which is set to launch with the new season on March 8.
