F1 sees global fanbase increase 12% In 2024

Formula 1 has experienced significant growth in its global fanbase, which has surged to 826.5 million in 2024, a 90 million fans compared to the previous year, according to recent data from Nielsen Sports.

A notable driver of this increase has been the rising interest in the sport within China, where there has been a remarkable 39% growth in fans over the last year, coinciding with the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.

The 2023 season marked Formula 1’s return to Chinese soil after a hiatus since 2019, featuring the local star Zhou Guanyu on the grid before transitioning to his role as the reserve driver for Ferrari.

Other notable markets showing growth include Canada, which reported a 31.5% rise in fans, along with Argentina and Saudi Arabia, both witnessing a 25.5% increase.

The sport’s strategic focus on the United States has yielded a positive outcome, with the American fanbase expanding by 10.5%, bringing the total to approximately 52 million fans in 2024.

On the broadcasting side, TV viewership has seen a notable increase in 2024, with several races, including the United States Grand Prix and São Paulo Grand Prix, experiencing growth exceeding 10% from 2023.

The Miami Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix have also set domestic TV viewership records, while the British Grand Prix established a new high in the UK for European races.

Digital engagement remains a crucial component of fan interaction as well, with Formula 1’s YouTube highlights attracting an additional 233 million views globally.

The US, the UK, and India were standout markets, collectively contributing over 69 million views.

Moreover, the season-opening Australian Grand Prix recorded an attendance of 465,498, marking the highest turnout on record for the event in Melbourne.

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