F1 News: Miami GP Viewership Drops Significantly From 2022 Amid Worries Of Popularity Plateau In The US

The Miami Grand Prix viewership figures have been released and they have taken a hit.

Formula 1's popularity has experienced a surge in recent years, especially in the United States, partly due to the success of Netflix's Drive to Survive. American fans have eagerly embraced the excitement of Grand Prix races, including the recent event in Miami. However, there are signs that enthusiasm for F1 may be hitting a plateau, as the broadcast viewership numbers for the Miami race showed a significant decline compared to the previous year.

Recognising the growing interest in the sport, sports channel ESPN secured a new broadcasting contract for Formula 1 last year. In the past, the channel paid $5 million per season for these broadcasting rights. However, in the new agreement, ESPN now pays a whopping $90 million annually to Formula 1. As part of this deal, several Grand Prix races will also be broadcast on ABC, one of the largest television networks in the country.

The Miami race, a highly anticipated event, was aired on ABC, reaching a vast audience. Last year's race on ABC attracted a record-breaking viewership of 2.6 million people, the highest number for a live F1 broadcast in the United States. However, this year's broadcast witnessed a significant drop in viewership. ABC experienced a staggering 25% decline in its audience compared to the previous season. 

Despite these concerns, there are some positive aspects to consider. A closer analysis of the viewership data reveals that while viewership in major cities declined, there is actually a growing interest in Formula 1 in more rural areas. States such as North Carolina, renowned for its association with NASCAR, and Oklahoma have seen an increase in F1 viewership.

The dwindling viewership numbers in the United States pose a challenge for Formula 1 as it seeks to maintain its momentum and expand its fanbase. The sport's organisers will need to address the factors contributing to the decline and find ways to rekindle the excitement and engagement of American viewers.

It is worth noting that although the broadcasting views were lower, the number of visitors to the Miami Grand Prix increased from 240,000 in 2022 to 270,000 in 2023.