Jonas LeoThe Disney-owned network, which aired races across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, reported an average of 1.3 million viewers per race throughout the 2025 championship. This figure represents an all-time high for Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. under ESPN’s recent stewardship, underscoring the sport’s burgeoning popularity in the North American market. The record-setting season was characterized by intense on-track competition, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that captivated audiences nationwide.
The 2025 campaign delivered a compelling narrative, primarily driven by a fierce intra-team rivalry at McLaren between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This internal battle for supremacy within the Woking-based outfit provided consistent drama throughout the season, with both drivers showcasing exceptional talent and pushing their machinery to the limits. Adding to the championship’s intrigue was a formidable late-season surge from Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, the reigning champion from previous seasons, who mounted a relentless challenge in the latter half of the year. Verstappen’s pursuit narrowed the gap significantly, pushing the Drivers’ Championship battle down to the wire at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
At the Yas Marina Circuit, the tension was palpable as the final race decided the fate of the coveted drivers’ title. While Max Verstappen ultimately secured the victory in Abu Dhabi, it was Lando Norris’s strategic and determined third-place finish that proved sufficient to clinch his maiden Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. This triumph marked a pivotal moment in Norris’s career and for McLaren, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of the sport. The dramatic finale alone drew an impressive average of 1.5 million viewers for ESPN, peaking at 1.8 million, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel data, highlighting the extraordinary interest generated by the championship decider.
The 2025 viewership figures represent the apex of a consistent upward trend for Formula 1 on ESPN since the network reacquired the broadcasting rights in 2018. A review of the average ESPN race viewership per F1 season illustrates this remarkable growth:
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- 2018: 554,000 viewers
- 2019: 672,000 viewers
- 2020: 608,000 viewers (affected by the global pandemic and a condensed calendar)
- 2021: 948,000 viewers
- 2022: 1.21 million viewers
- 2023: 1.1 million viewers
- 2024: 1.1 million viewers
- 2025: 1.3 million viewers
The dip in 2023 and 2024, followed by the significant rebound in 2025, can be attributed to several factors. The 2022 season, benefiting from the immediate aftermath of the highly dramatic 2021 championship and the initial wave of new fan engagement spurred by media initiatives, set a high benchmark. The slight plateau in the subsequent years might reflect the periods of dominance by a single team or driver, which, while impressive, can sometimes temper broader viewership interest compared to closely contested seasons. However, the compelling multi-team and intra-team battles witnessed in 2025, coupled with the championship going down to the wire, clearly revitalized engagement and pushed viewership to new heights.
This surge in popularity in the United States is largely credited to a confluence of strategic initiatives and cultural phenomena. The Netflix docuseries "Formula 1: Drive to Survive," launched in 2019, played a transformative role, introducing a new generation of fans to the personalities, rivalries, and behind-the-scenes drama of the sport. Concurrently, Formula 1’s strategic expansion in the U.S. market, with the addition of high-profile races in Miami (starting 2022) and Las Vegas (starting 2023), significantly amplified its presence and appeal. These events not only drew massive crowds but also generated substantial media attention, further embedding F1 into the American sporting consciousness. ESPN’s consistent broadcast quality, featuring a dedicated commentary team and comprehensive coverage, also played a crucial role in nurturing this growing fanbase.
ESPN’s association with Formula 1 dates back decades, with an initial stint from 1984 to 1997 before its recent seven-year run. During its most recent tenure, ESPN became synonymous with F1 for many American viewers, providing a stable and accessible platform that was vital for the sport’s re-emergence. Their commitment to broadcasting every session live, often utilizing Sky Sports F1’s acclaimed commentary team, offered a premium viewing experience that resonated with both long-time aficionados and new converts. The network’s willingness to air races on its flagship channels, including ABC, ensured broad visibility and underscored its belief in the sport’s potential.
The announcement in October 2025 that Formula 1 had signed a new U.S. broadcasting rights deal, which would see coverage transition to Apple TV from 2026, signaled a significant shift in the sport’s media strategy. This move aligns with a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where major leagues and events are increasingly exploring direct-to-consumer streaming platforms to reach global audiences and offer enhanced interactive experiences. For Apple TV, securing F1 rights represents a major coup, bolstering its growing portfolio of live sports content and positioning it as a key player in the competitive streaming landscape.
In a statement regarding the transition, ESPN expressed pride in its accomplishments. "We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future," the statement read, acknowledging the successful partnership.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also offered his perspective on the evolving broadcast landscape and ESPN’s foundational role. "I think that our duty is to look into the future and try to make sure that F1 can have the right platform of developing our growth," Domenicali stated. He further extended gratitude to ESPN, adding, "I really want to thank ESPN for what they did today together, because they invested in us when no one was really ready to invest in us many, many years ago." This sentiment highlights ESPN’s crucial support during a period when Formula 1’s appeal in the U.S. was not as robust as it is today, underscoring the network’s long-term commitment and foresight.
The move to Apple TV from 2026 introduces a new chapter for Formula 1 in the U.S. While streaming platforms offer unparalleled flexibility and potential for exclusive content, the shift from traditional linear television channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC could present new challenges and opportunities for audience engagement. Apple TV’s global reach and technological capabilities promise innovative viewing experiences, potentially including multi-camera feeds, interactive data, and in-depth documentary content, further enhancing the F1 fan experience. However, the accessibility and widespread familiarity of ESPN’s platform will be a hard act to follow, particularly for older demographics or those less inclined towards subscription streaming services.
As Formula 1 continues its trajectory of global expansion and increased fan engagement, the strategic decision to partner with Apple TV reflects a commitment to leveraging digital platforms for future growth. The record viewership achieved by ESPN in its final season serves as a powerful testament to the sport’s ascendance in the U.S. and provides a strong foundation for Apple TV to build upon as it takes the wheel of F1 broadcasting in North America. The coming years will reveal how this new partnership shapes the future of Formula 1 viewership and accessibility in one of its most important growth markets.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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