·5 min read
News & Analysis
Live Racing on the Biggest Screen
Taha Abbasi sits at the intersection of technology and real-world experiences, and Apple’s new partnership with IMAX to show live Formula 1 races in theaters is a perfect example of that convergence. Starting May 3, 2026, five F1 races — including Miami, Monaco, British, Italian, and US Grands Prix — will be shown in at least 50 IMAX locations across the United States.
This is not just a broadcasting deal. It represents a fundamental shift in how premium live sporting events are consumed, blending the communal experience of cinema with the excitement of live motorsport.
Why This Matters Beyond F1
Apple acquired F1 broadcast rights for approximately $2 billion, and this IMAX partnership is part of a broader strategy to maximize the value of that investment. By creating premium viewing experiences that command higher ticket prices than standard TV subscriptions, Apple is building a new revenue tier for live sports content.
As Taha Abbasi observes, the model could easily extend to other sports and events. Imagine watching the Super Bowl, Champions League final, or UFC pay-per-view events on an IMAX screen with theater-quality sound. The communal viewing experience — cheering with strangers, gasping at crashes, celebrating overtakes — adds something that home viewing cannot replicate.
The Technology Angle
F1 is one of the most technologically advanced sports on Earth. Cars generate terabytes of data per race. Aerodynamic design is done with the same computational fluid dynamics used in aerospace. Hybrid power units operate at thermal efficiencies that would be remarkable in any context. For a technology-focused audience — Taha Abbasi’s readers and viewers — F1 is a natural interest.
Apple’s presentation will likely leverage its production capabilities to deliver enhanced graphics, real-time data overlays, and camera angles that are not available on standard broadcasts. The IMAX format allows for immersive visuals that make 200 mph feel visceral.
The Business Model
IMAX theater tickets for live events typically range from $25-$50 — significantly more than a month of Apple TV+ subscription. But the experience is differentiated enough to justify the premium. Sports bars charge a premium for big-screen viewing; IMAX takes that concept to its logical extreme.
For Apple, this is another touchpoint in its services ecosystem. Viewers who experience F1 on IMAX are more likely to subscribe to Apple TV+ for regular race coverage. As Taha Abbasi notes, Apple’s playbook is always the same: create exceptional experiences that pull consumers deeper into the ecosystem.
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About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com
Taha Abbasi
Engineer by trade. Builder by instinct. Explorer by choice.
