• Loading stock data...
Monday, January 19, 2026

The Most Watched Formula 1 Races in U.S. Television History

  • The 2024 Miami Grand Prix tops the list with 3.1 million U.S. viewers.
  • Five of the races to make the list were won by Max Verstappen.
May 5, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (4) reacts after winning the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The business prospects for Formula 1 continue to pick up speed off the track. 

Record revenue for the first quarter of this year, coupled with a possible grid expansion, makes the future look bright.

Thanks in part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive docu-series, more Americans are watching races than ever before. Out of the most-watched Formula 1 races, six of them have been within the last three years.

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix is the most-watched Formula 1 race, drawing 3.1 million viewers in the United States. The 2025 Miami Grand Prix failed to reach the same viewership heights as the year prior but still finished in the top five of most-watched Formula 1 races in the U.S. all time. Its mark of 2.1 million viewers was soon bested by the 2.3 million viewers for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix weeks later, the fourth-highest viewership total for a Formula 1 race all-time (and third-highest live viewership total)

Miami has become an essential stop on the Grand Prix tour since its debut in 2022.

Although still in its infancy on the circuit, the Miami Grand Prix is proving to be one of F1’s most successful ventures.

Max Verstappen has been dominant on the circuit since winning his first world championship title in 2021. He has won five of the most-watched races on this list.

Some observers fear his dominance could hurt viewership in the U.S., which has developed into a key growth market for F1. The addition of GM as a competing team on the circuit could be the key to boosting U.S. viewership.

Verstappen’s recent dominance draws parallels to modern F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who also seemed to break through to reach American audiences.

At his height during the 90s and early 2000s, Schumacher’s win at the 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix drew 1.74 million American viewers. It happened during a season where he won his second straight World Drivers’ Championship.

Schumacher also won the 2006 San Marino Grand Prix, attracting 1.6 million U.S. viewers in the process. He was in his final season of racing and secured Ferrari’s first win.

Ranking The Most Watched Formula 1 Races in U.S. History

Here is the list of the top 10 most-watched Formula 1 races based on reported viewership in the United States. The list was compiled using historical data from SportsMediaWatch and ESPNPressRoom.

  • Updated: March 27, 2025
RankingYearRaceWinnerReported U.S. Viewership
12024Miami Grand PrixLando Norris3.1 million
22002Monaco Grand Prix*David Coulthard2.78 million
32022Miami Grand PrixMax Verstappen2.6 million
42025Monaco Grand PrixLando Norris2.3 million
52025Miami Grand PrixOscar Piastri2.1 million
62023Miami Grand PrixMax Verstappen1.96 million
72023Monaco Grand PrixMax Verstappen1.79 million
82023Canadian Grand PrixMax Verstappen1.76 million
91995Brazilian Grand PrixMichael Schumacher1.74 million
102014Canadian Grand PrixDaniel Ricciardo1.49 million

*Shown on tape delay

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps walks off the stage following the state of the sport press conference in the media center at Phoenix Raceway.

NASCAR Commissioner Quits After Ugly Lawsuit Settled

Text messages showed that Phelps called Richard Childress a “stupid redneck.”
Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (4) Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) and Mercedes driver George Russell (63) pose for a photo with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase following the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Breaks Ratings Record, Widespread Changes Coming in 2026

ESPN held F1’s U.S. broadcasting rights for eight years.
exclusive

FloSports Buys Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Dirt racing was a major audience driver on FloSports this year.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
opinion

Tony Romo’s Not in Trouble at CBS

Romo has taken heat from critics for his performance this season.
May 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fan Duel microphone jacket during the fifth inning between the Detroit Tigers against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
January 15, 2026

MLB Teams Seek Stability As Main Street Sports Looks to Rework Deals

The clubs are seeking more certainty on the company’s future.
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center.
January 15, 2026

UFC on Paramount+ Off to Rocky Start as Prices Rise and Title..

A big UFC title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been postponed. 
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 15, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit Enters Contract Year With ESPN, Amazon

Herbstreit’s ESPN and Amazon contracts are up after the 2026-27 football season.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.
January 14, 2026

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.
Rich Paul
January 14, 2026

Rich Paul Pitches NBA Trades on Podcast: ‘Insane and Fucked Up’

Paul proposed trading Austin Reaves on his podcast. 
May 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Truist Park.
January 14, 2026

Nats Are Latest Team to Join MLB Media Umbrella

The MLB club is departing the Orioles-controlled MASN after 21 years.