Wednesday, September 30, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Formula 1 and ESPN Had Another Record Viewership Season

  • Broadcasts of F1 across ESPN networks averaged 1.21 million viewers per race.
  • It’s the first F1 season in U.S. television history to average over 1 million viewers per race.
Red Bull Racing driver separates from Aston Martin competitor during Formula 1 race
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Formula 1’s surging popularity in the United States has resulted in yet another season of record viewership.

Broadcasts of F1 across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC averaged 1.21 million viewers per race — a 28% increase from the record-breaking 2021 season that saw 949,000 average viewers.

It’s the first F1 season in U.S. television history to average over 1 million viewers per race.

Additionally, 12 races individually set all-time American viewership records — including the brand new Miami Grand Prix, which was the most-watched live F1 telecast ever with 2.58 million average viewers.

The Japanese Grand Prix — which was repeatedly delayed and eventually shortened by rain — was not included in the overall viewership average.

F1 experienced a lot of success reaching the all-important young demographics.

The coveted 18-49 demo saw 521,000 average viewers per race, a 29% increase from 2021. Additionally, the 12-17 demo averaged 36,000 viewers per race — a 49% increase equating to the largest year-over-year increase among any age bracket.

Viewership among women was also up in 2022, averaging 352,000 per race — a 34 percent bump from the season prior.

Max Verstappen surrounded by photographers after winning Formula 1 race

Verstappen Formula 1’s Top Earner

Max Verstappen has topped Lewis Hamilton in one more category: salary.
November 21, 2022

The partnership between F1 and ESPN has been such a resounding success that the two entities agreed to a reported three-year, $255 million extension that will keep the championships’ races on the network through 2025.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026.

College Football Viewership Down 11% Through September vs. 2025

FBS game broadcasts are averaging 1.7 million viewers.

Mark Walter’s F1 Team Still Has Zero Points After Azerbaijan GP

The Cadillac team, which began racing this year, is in 11th place.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Final - Spain v Argentina - New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 19, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump gestures ahead of the trophy presentation REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Donald Trump Not Expected to Join ‘College GameDay’ on Saturday

ESPN does plan to show Trump during its Tennessee–Texas telecast.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/30/26 – Man City Found Guilty, NBA’s $12B Vegas Race, College Sports Bill Passes

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
Detroit Cass Tech players warm up ahead of a high school football game against rival Detroit King at Cass Technical High School in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. The Detroit skyline is seen in the background.

Rivals’s $399 Evaluations Test What a Recruiting Ranking Is Worth

Coaches are split on whether rankings still matter in recruiting.
Jun 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Spectrum SportsNet LA play-by-play announcer Joe Davis watches batting practice before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 29, 2026

Joe Davis Still Has Vin Scully’s Advice ‘Ringing in My Ears’

Davis is preparing to call his fifth World Series for Fox.
September 29, 2026

U.S. Presidents Cup Comeback Delivers Viewership Boost for NBC

NBC drew two million viewers for the final round.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Dec 29, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; The Sacramento Kings logo on the shorts of forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena.
September 29, 2026

Kings Reporters Caught Discussing Player Attractiveness on Hot Mic

The incident took place at the Kings’ media day on Monday.
Sep 22, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees injured right fielder Aaron Judge (99) watches from the dugout during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
September 29, 2026

NBC Sports Loses Star Draw With Aaron Judge Out for Wild-Card Series

Judge had previously insisted he would be able to play.
Aug 28, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) throws to first for a double play against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
September 28, 2026

How NBC Sports Is Approaching Its First MLB Postseason in 26 Years

The network will have its first MLB postseason presence since 2000.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; NBC broadcast analyst Mike Tomlin before the game between Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
September 28, 2026

Mike Tomlin Breaks With Coaching Fraternity in Cowboys Analysis

Tomlin questioned the Cowboys’ decision-making in their loss vs. Baltimore.