Formula One Sees 12% Increase in Global Fandom, China Shows Strong Growth

LONDON: Formula One added nearly 90 million new fans last year, with China showing the biggest percentage rise following the sport’s post-Covid return to Shanghai, according to data released by Nielsen Sports today.

Fan Growth Across the Globe

Nielsen put Formula One’s global fandom at 826.5 million, 12% more than in 2023, with a 39% increase in fans following in China over the last 12 months.

The US, a key growth market with three Grands Prix, showed a 10.5% expansion.

Canada (+31.5%), Argentina and Saudi Arabia (both +25.5%) were also strong.

Chinese Market Sees Significant Growth

China was on the calendar last year for the first time since 2019 and the circuit hosts the second round of the 2025 season this weekend, although there is no longer a Chinese driver on the grid.

Zhou Guanyu is now Ferrari reserve, after losing his race seat at Sauber.

2025 Season Off to Strong Start

The 2025 season, the sport’s 75th, has already got off to a strong start with the official total estimated attendance at the opening Australian Grand Prix put at a record 465,498.

That total is more than 13,000 higher than 2024 and the race in Melbourne also drew a bigger TV audience than the previous year, with Nielsen reporting a 22% increase.

Cumulative TV viewership was up more than 10% in 2024 for the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

US broadcaster ESPN reported its largest Australian GP audience on record last weekend with an average 1.1 million viewers.

Digital Footprint Expands

Nielsen said Formula One’s digital footprint continued to expand, with YouTube highlights drawing an additional 233.0 million views.

“Formula One’s growth reflects its growing global appeal,” said Nielsen Sports’ global general manager Jon Stainer.

“With a more competitive season in 2024 and key markets like the US, China, and Brazil experiencing year-over-year fan growth, F1 continues to strengthen its position as a truly global sport.”

Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Performances

Last year saw McLaren replace Red Bull as constructor’s champions, although Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his fourth title in a row, and seven drivers from four teams winning races.

This season started with McLaren’s Lando Norris ending Verstappen’s run of more than 1,000 days as championship leader by winning in Australia.

FAQs

Q: What is the current number of Formula One fans globally?
A: 826.5 million, a 12% increase from 2023.

Q: Which market showed the biggest percentage rise in fans following?
A: China, with a 39% increase over the last 12 months.

Q: What is the current state of the constructors’ championship?
A: McLaren replaced Red Bull as constructor’s champions last year.

Q: Who won the drivers’ championship last year?
A: Max Verstappen won his fourth title in a row.