The recent Formula 1 British Grand Prix captured widespread attention both on and off the track, highlighted by Lando Norris securing his first home victory and Nico Hülkenberg achieving a podium finish after 239 starts. This thrilling race weekend also marked a historic moment for F1 British Grand Prix viewership in the United States, as ESPN2’s broadcast reached an average of 1.5 million viewers. This figure represents a 19% increase compared to last year and stands as the highest ever U.S. television audience for the event, with viewership peaking at 1.8 million viewers during Norris’s winning moment.
Continued Growth in Formula 1 Viewership Across the Season
ESPN’s report shows that this surge fits into a larger trend of increased interest in Formula 1 during the current season. Ten out of eleven races this year have seen higher viewership compared to the previous year, with seven events setting new records for audience size. The only exception was the Miami Grand Prix, which did not surpass last year’s numbers. Additionally, the Monaco Grand Prix attracted the third-largest U.S. F1 audience ever recorded.
Overall Season Trends and Future Media Considerations
On average, ESPN has drawn 1.3 million viewers per race this season, marking a 17% rise over the full-season average for 2024. Among the 18-49 age group, which is highly valued by advertisers, viewership has increased by 24%. These positive trends come as ESPN’s contract for F1 broadcasting approaches its conclusion at the end of 2025, prompting the sport to explore new media rights opportunities within the United States market.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One racer currently with Mercedes. He previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experience with ADHD and shares his wide range of interests and passions.
Q. Why is number 17 banned in F1?
A. In 2015, the number 17 was officially retired to honor Jules Bianchi. He passed away from injuries in a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while using that number.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can pick a permanent number from 0 to 99, except for 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion can use number 1 if they want, but they don’t have to.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He races in Formula One for Mercedes and previously drove for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and explores his various interests and hobbies.