Formula 1 British Grand Prix Sets U.S. Viewership Record
The Formula 1 British Grand Prix, broadcast live on ESPN2 last Sunday, reached an average of 1.5 million viewers, marking a significant 19 percent increase compared to last year and establishing the largest audience for the event on U.S. television history, according to Nielsen data. Viewer numbers peaked at 1.8 million between 11:30 and 11:45 AM ET, coinciding with Lando Norris’s impressive first home victory.
This race is indicative of a broader trend, with eleven out of twelve races this season experiencing year-over-year audience growth. Notably, seven of these events have achieved record viewership, highlighting a renewed interest in the sport. Last year’s British Grand Prix averaged 1.3 million viewers, which at the time was also a record.
In the pivotal 18-49 demographic, the British Grand Prix recorded 629,000 viewers. Overall, Formula 1 broadcasts across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC are averaging 1.3 million viewers this season—a 7 percent rise over the 2024 season-to-date average and 17 percent up from the full 2024 season average. Specifically, the 18-49 demographic shows a 14 percent increase from the season-to-date average and a 24 percent increase from the full 2024 season average, averaging 511,000 viewers.
The driving force behind this surge includes seven races—Australia, China, Monaco, Spain, Canada, Austria, and Britain—each setting event viewership records. The Monaco Grand Prix notably garnered the third-largest live audience in U.S. history for a Formula 1 race.
With upward trends in engagement and viewership, Formula 1 is solidifying its position as a leading motorsport destination for U.S. audiences.
