P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 has never been more popular – here are the numbers that prove it
In 2025, F1’s thrilling three-way title battle captivated fans worldwide, and the US saw unprecedented viewership numbers. Lando Norris emerged victorious in a nail-biting finale, triumphing over Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to clinch the championship. McLaren secured both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, a feat not achieved since 1998. This season was hailed as one of the best since the intense 2021 battle between Verstappen and Hamilton. The 2025 Abu Dhabi GP featured a rare uncertainty over the championship outcome, with multiple contenders vying for the title, reminiscent of the 2010 season finale. ESPN reported record-breaking viewership numbers, averaging 1.3 million viewers per race – a 135% increase from 2018, marking the most-watched year since F1’s return to ESPN. Despite F1’s rising popularity, the NASCAR Cup Series experienced a decline in viewership in 2025, possibly fueled by broadcast changes resulting in a 15% drop compared to the previous season.
