Sunday, October 18, 2026

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs

Nick Saban warns more playoff spots could mean more firings.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
October 14, 2026

NFL Will Be Selective With Game-Day Schedule, Says Media Chief

International Super Bowl is “a little bit far” off.