Apple looks set to confirm its US F1 broadcast rights as early as the United States Grand Prix, according to the latest reports. ESPN currently holds the rights to broadcast the sport in America, but its deal is set to expire at the end of the year. A new deal with Apple is estimated to be worth roughly $140m, which is considerably more than ESPN was paying. A big hurdle is F1 TV, the in-house streaming platform competing with Apple’s rights in the American market. It’s unknown if the service will remain available in the region.
Formula One has announced a new four-part YouTube original series called Passenger Princess. It will be hosted by YouTuber Amelia Dimoldenberg, who rose to fame with her awkward interview series Chicken Shop Date. Lando Norris appeared in a video last year. The new series, aimed at attracting younger viewers to the sport, will see Dimoldenberg learn to drive with the help of instructors. The series will feature George Russell, Oscar Piastri, Oliver Bearman, and Carlos Sainz. The first episode will be released on her YouTube channel on October 15.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem may be re-elected unopposed in December. The closest competition comes from former F1 steward Tim Mayer, Belgian TV presenter Virginie Philippot, and Swiss driver Laura Villars. However, as the deadline looms for assembling their leadership teams, it appears none of these candidates can secure entry into the election. As part of the election process, candidates must submit a list of nominees who will fill the leadership positions under their presidency. These include the president of the senate, the deputy president for automobile mobility and tourism, the deputy president for sport, and seven regional vice presidents. The vice presidents include two for Europe and one for MENA, Africa, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific. Each nominee can be listed under only one presidential candidate. Crucially, there is only one eligible nominee for South America: Fabiana Ecclestone. Fabiana, the wife of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, is Ben Sulayem’s current vice president of South America. The deadline to submit new regional candidates ended in September, seemingly making it impossible for other presidential candidates to complete their leadership teams.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
