• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 29, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

F1 Las Vegas Overnight Race Posts Strong Viewership

  • ESPN’s presentation of the race, which ran from 1 a.m. to 3:05 a.m. ET, averaged 1.3 million viewers.
  • It was the second-most-streamed F1 race on ESPN+, just behind this season’s Miami Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a spectacle to behold that attracted strong American viewership despite a late-night start time and a host of other issues.

ESPN’s presentation of the race, which ran from 1 a.m. to 3:05 a.m. ET, averaged 1.3 million viewers — the third-largest F1 audience of the season on cable and the sixth-largest for any Disney-owned platform this season. The telecast peaked between 1:15 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. ET with 1.5 million viewers.

Las Vegas posted the highest local market rating for Max Verstappen’s win with a 7.4; the next closest was Los Angeles with 1.5. 

The LVGP was the most-watched Formula 1 race since the Canadian Grand Prix in June, which attracted 1.76 million viewers on ABC. It was also the second-most-streamed F1 race on ESPN+, just behind this season’s Miami Grand Prix (streaming numbers were not disclosed).

Despite the overnight telecast, the highly anticipated Vegas race posted better viewership numbers than ESPN’s season-long average of 1.12 million viewers — down 9% from last season’s record 1.2 million viewers per race.

Although the weekend started with a few bumps — both figurative and literal due to poor track conditions — the first F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will likely be seen as a success.

Aside from the robust viewership, national and local Las Vegas sportsbooks reported record betting handles for the race. BetMGM said it saw triple the number of bets of any prior F1 race.

Formula 1 and owner Liberty Media are pleased with the product, as they have already committed to keeping the race in Las Vegas through 2032.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michael Jordan

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Cody Campbell Asks Congress to Allow National College Sports TV Package

The billionaire’s ad will air on ESPN and Fox this weekend.
Ohio State mascot Brutus interacts with Lee Corso on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the College Football Playoff first round game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.

End of an Era: Lee Corso Making Final ‘College GameDay’ Appearance

After 430 iconic headgear picks, the iconic coach bids farewell.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.