F1 US Grand Prix Sets New TV Viewership Record on ABC

The Formula One United States Grand Prix has shattered its domestic TV event viewership record, with 1.5 million viewers tuning into ABC's race-only broadcast. This milestone surpasses the previous record set in 2021 and signifies a 15 percent year-over-year increase, highlighting F1's continued surge in popularity within the US market.

Why it matters:

F1's consistent growth in US viewership demonstrates a significant cultural shift and a successful expansion strategy beyond its traditional European base. Breaking audience records for 12 events this season underscores the sport's increasing appeal and potential for further commercial success in North America, a crucial market for global sports.

The details:

• The 2024 US Grand Prix on ABC drew 1.5 million viewers, surpassing the 2021 record of 1.41 million.
• This represents a 15 percent year-over-year (YoY) increase from last year's 1.3 million viewers.
• This is the 12th event viewership record of the F1 season so far.
• All but two races (Miami and Singapore) have seen YoY audience growth.
• F1 is now averaging 1.32 million viewers through 19 races, a considerable increase from 1.18 million at the same stage last season.

The big picture:

The consistent upward trend in F1 viewership in the US suggests that the sport has effectively tapped into a new audience, likely driven by factors like Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' and the addition of more US races. This sustained growth positions F1 as a major player in the competitive US sports media landscape, drawing comparisons and even surpassing traditional motorsports like NASCAR in certain metrics.

What's next:

With the US market showing such robust engagement, F1 is likely to continue prioritizing its presence and marketing efforts in North America. This could lead to further expansion, including potentially more races, and increased investment from broadcasters and sponsors. The continued momentum suggests F1 is poised for even greater heights in the coming seasons.