Thursday, November 5, 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

LPGA golfers pose for a photo during WTGL Media Day at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on September 20, 2026.
First at FOS

WTGL’s First Season Will Pay Players $11M in Prize Money

Individual player payouts will be tied to team finish and player participation.
ESPN analyst Pat McAfee broadcasts live from the sidelines of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA prior to the start of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game on November 15, 2025.
Opinion

How Did Pat McAfee Get So Polarizing?

Some of the criticism is self-inflicted. Some of it is unfair.

College Football TV Ratings Remain Down 11% Through October

Four games total have drawn an audience of 10 million or higher.
Oct 31, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries players hold the trophy after winning the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center

WNBA Finals Game 7 Draws 3.3M Viewers

The series averaged nearly 1.9 million viewers, the most for a Finals.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/5/26 – Owners’ $100M Midterm Miss, College Sports Bill’s Uncertain Future, Peyton Tops ‘MNF’ List

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive

ESPN Hires The Athletic Editorial Director Sergio Gonzalez

The move comes three months after ESPN eliminated Roxanna Scott’s editor-in-chief role.
Jul 11, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; ESPN reporter Michael Wilbon prior to the Phoenix Suns against the Milwaukee Bucks in game three of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2026

Michael Wilbon Takes Indefinite Leave From ESPN, PTI for Health Reasons

The longtime “PTI” cohost insists he’s not retiring.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) talks to CW sports after the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, November 22, 2025.
First at FOS
November 3, 2026

The CW Eyes TNT Sports Rights and More CFP Games

TNT Sports’s portfolio includes the NHL, MLB, and French Open.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2026

Ernie Johnson Wants NBA to Cut Regular Season Below 82 Games

The TNT Sports host specifically pointed to the Thunder’s recent injuries.
Mar 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; View of a camera with a Fox Sports logo before the game between the Houston Astros and the New York Mets at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
November 2, 2026

Fox Rides World Cup to $4.57B Quarter As Thanksgiving Hopes Fade

The network’s holiday hopes are dimming with a less attractive NFL matchup.
November 1, 2026

Tom Brady Curses on Air—Again

The FCC can issue fines or warnings for profanity on live television.
ernie johnson
October 30, 2026

Ernie Johnson Wants ‘Inside the NBA’ to Continue Without Him

Johnson said he doesn’t want to be “blamed” for ending the show.