F1 Hits Viewership Record With Miami GP Debut

Miami has been incredibly popular as the sport starts to break into America.

Formula 1's highly marketed Miami GP reached record viewership last weekend, with figures of 2.6 million concurrent viewers being attained. 

F1 has made no secret about its ambitions to conquer the American market, which has been an area of difficulty for the sport in years gone by. 

The popularity of the Netflix Series Drive to Survive' has played a part in Formula 1's growth in popularity worldwide, alongside the captivating championship battle between Verstappen and Hamilton that dominated the headlines in 2021. 

Recent figures reflect the improved popularity of F1 in the states, but Liberty Media's plans for expansion have only just begun. 

The Las Vas Vegas GP will make its debut in 2023, and is expected to serve as an additional push to sport's efforts in the States. Liberty Media will use a similar strategy to expand F1's presence in China, via the Chinese GP in Shanghai - alongside Zhou Guanyu's involvement. 

Reaction to the Miami GP was not entirely positive though, with some sections of fans bemoaning the somewhat gimmicky nature of the race or - more accurately - the nature of the show. 

F1 must be sure to balance its ambitions in the US without compromising the prestige and inherent nature of the sport.