NASCAR vs. F1: Head-to-Head TV Ratings Revealed

For the third time this year, NASCAR and Formula 1 went head-to-head for viewership on Sunday, and the television ratings for both events were released on Wednesday.

Why it matters:

• This direct competition provides a fascinating insight into the current state of motorsport viewership in the United States, highlighting the ongoing battle for audience share between two major racing series. The results reflect not only the popularity of individual races but also the impact of broadcast channels (over-the-air vs. cable/streaming) and race timing on audience engagement.

The details:

• The NASCAR Cup Series, returning to over-the-air NBC, drew 2.556 million viewers for the Yellow Wood 500, which started at 2 p.m. ET.
• The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix from Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, broadcast on over-the-air ABC, attracted 1.5 million viewers for its 3 p.m. ET start.
• Previous Head-to-Head Matchups:
  • May 4: F1 Miami (ABC) drew 2.1 million viewers, while NASCAR Texas (FOX Sports 1) garnered 2.56 million.
  • June 15: F1 Montreal (ABC) had 1.9 million viewers, and NASCAR Mexico City (Prime) recorded 2.10 million.
  • October 23, 2024: F1 Austin on ABC saw 1.3 million viewers, compared to NASCAR Vegas on NBC which drew 2.2 million.

The big picture:

• These figures illustrate a consistent trend where NASCAR, particularly on major network television, tends to slightly outdraw F1 in direct competition within the US market. While F1 has seen significant growth in recent years, NASCAR maintains a strong, established viewership base, especially for its marquee events broadcast on free-to-air channels.
• The difference in viewership could be attributed to several factors, including the long-standing cultural presence of NASCAR in the US, F1's more niche but growing appeal, and the timing of the races.

What's next:

• Both series will continue to vie for audience attention, with their respective broadcasters strategizing to maximize viewership. The ongoing competition will likely influence future scheduling decisions and promotional efforts. F1's continued growth in the US, particularly with events like the US Grand Prix, indicates a strong upward trajectory, but NASCAR's consistent performance underscores its enduring popularity. The battle for the American motorsport audience remains a dynamic and closely watched contest.