2023 Formula 1 Season Smashes Viewership Records: ESPN's Second-Highest Watched Ever

The 2023 Formula 1 season on ESPN concluded as the second most-viewed ever in U.S. history.

The 2023 Formula 1 season on ESPN platforms marked a significant milestone, becoming the second most-watched F1 season in U.S. television history. With an average viewership of 1.11 million over 22 races, it trailed only the record-setting average of 1.21 million from the previous year. 

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Viewership Figures: The 2023 season saw an average of 1.11 million viewers per race, with three of the four largest live American TV audiences for F1 races recorded this season, including the Miami Grand Prix with 1.96 million viewers.
• Record-Breaking Events: Eight races set new U.S. television viewership records, including the Monaco, Canadian, and Mexican Grands Prix, showcasing the growing popularity of F1 in the United States.
• Continued Growth and Expansion: The season's success reflects the continued growth of Formula 1 in the U.S., with viewership doubling since 2018, and sets the stage for the much-anticipated 2024 season beginning in Bahrain.

Red Bull Press Image

According to a report from ESPN, the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship on ESPN platforms has undeniably etched its name in the annals of U.S. sports broadcasting history. An average of 1.11 million viewers tuned into the 22 race telecasts across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, a figure surpassed only by the previous year's record-setting average of 1.21 million. Notably, the 2022 average included the massive 2.6 million viewership for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, the largest live audience ever for an F1 race on U.S. television.

This season's finale, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 26, drew an average audience of 927,000, a testament to the sport's escalating appeal despite Max Verstappen and Red Bull's staggering dominance this season. Additionally, the season was marked by several extraordinary achievements, including three of the four largest live American TV audiences for F1 races. The historic Monaco Grand Prix's live telecast on ABC attracted its largest-ever live audience of 1.79 million viewers.

Ferrari Press Image

U.S. television viewership records were shattered in eight races, spanning diverse locations like Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, and Mexico. The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite its challenging 1 a.m. ET start time, captivated an average audience of 1.3 million viewers.

The growth trajectory of Formula 1's television audience in the United States has been remarkable since its return to ESPN platforms in 2018. From an average viewership of 554,000 in 2018 to 1.11 million in 2023, the sport has witnessed a near 100 percent increase, averaging a 15 percent annual growth.

The 2023 season marked the commencement of a three-year renewal deal between ESPN and Formula 1, announced in fall 2022. This partnership underscores a mutual commitment to the growth and promotion of the sport in the U.S. market.