With possibly the most controversial Grand Prix ever as the climax of the 2021 Formula 1 season, the sport attracted more viewers than ever before.
According to new figures released by the sport, the season finale in Abu Dhabi drew 108.7 million viewers, up 29 per cent compared to the same race in 2020 – and the highest viewing figures for a race during the season.
The cumulative TV audience for 2021 was 1.55 billion, up 4 per cent from the previous season.
F1 also saw strong audiences for the season opener in Bahrain (84.5 million), and for the three new Sprint weekend events at Silverstone (79.5 million), Monza (80.4 million) and Sao Paulo (82.1 million).
The sport also saw increases in viewers across some of its biggest markets. In the Netherlands, the number of fans enjoying Formula 1 increase of by 81 per cent compared to 2020, with significant audience gains also in USA (+58 per cent YoY), France (+48 per cent YoY), Italy (+40 per cent YoY) and the UK (+39 per cent YoY).
Globally, the average audience per Grand Prix in 2021 was 70.3 million, said Formula 1.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO, Formula 1, said: “The 2021 season was something very special. We had a championship battle that went to the last race with huge excitement throughout the whole championship.
“We have seen some very strong figures across broadcast and our digital platforms, showing once again the momentum, excitement and interest that is all around Formula 1.
“We are looking forward to our record-breaking 23-race season this year, with new cars, new regulations, and a new challenge for all the teams and drivers. I know all of our fans can’t wait to get the season started.”
