Five reasons why Formula 1 is on the way up

Two years ago, for obvious reasons, the world faced one of the most challenging periods of recent history, COVID-19. A pandemic that halted our lives and had a severe impact on the sports industry. Once the first restrictions were lifted and Formula 1 returned to the track, the world rediscovered a sport that steals the show. 

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Strong audiences 

With four races less than a regular season, 2020 already showed the potential of Formula 1, especially in key markets such as China, The Netherlands and the United States, where audiences increased between 20% and 40% in comparison with the previous year. Figures that showed rising interest in the sport, which found its culmination last season. The audience of the last race in Abu Dhabi was 29% higher than in 2020, being the most-watched race for the season. Furthermore, the number of viewers increased by 58% only in the United States, one of the markets F1 has put his radar on. The pinnacle of motorsport closed 2021 with outstanding figures, increasing its audience by 4% and proving a success in the Sprint Race format.

Digital and physical presence

Not only did audiences increase substantially, but it also increased the digital presence. Indeed, Formula 1 is still today the fastest-growing sport in the world, both in terms of followers and engagement. And if that was not enough, race attendance was also remarkable, considering most of the events had seating-capacity limitations. However, even in the context of the pandemic, Formula 1 hit record numbers at the Austin GP, Mexican GP, and Britain GP. A tendency that has gotten more robust in 2022 as it keeps hanging the “sold out” sign in most of the events.

Waiting list 

One of the territories that is experiencing an increasing interest in F1 is the United States. The Miami GP confirmed the industry’s potential on American soil, later reinforced with a third race in Las Vegas next season.

Notwithstanding, no month comes with a new city expressing its desire to host a race, for example, New York, Barranquilla (Colombia), Madrid, or more recently Johannesburg. And whilst for senior fans it is flattering to see Formula 1 in the spotlight, one should also consider that street circuits are not known for being the most entertaining races.

A new target for brands and companies  

As much as one loves the sport, one cannot forget that Formula 1 is also a business, and after several years with touches of uncertainty, it is fair to say that the sport is now living one of its best eras, as figures show.

The number of American sponsors has doubled since the arrival of Liberty Media; indeed, one of the teams that has benefited from the rising interest in F1 on the continent is McLaren. Zak Brown himself confirmed that 50% of their partners are American.

And not only tech or financial companies are bidding for F1 but also the entertainment industry. At the British GP, Paramount+ promoted its services on a digital signal placed in the pitlane. Similar case to MSC Cruises, which has become a global partner of the sport. The Crypto industry has also found its place in an industry that has no barriers and that connects fans and teams all over the world. Those are powerful reasons to get involved in the sport.

Being a global sport means F1 is also a global partner, a characteristic that draws companies from different industries willing to pour money into a business that is currently the new trend.

Personal branding 

And the sport witnesses astronomic partnerships like Oracle Red Bull (it is believed to be one of the biggest deals in F1 history), and drivers also see an opportunity to enhance and reinforce their brands. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Daniel Ricciardo have secured a spot in the entertainment industry by confirming their participation in different productions.

It took decades, however, Formula 1 is getting all the attention, and while the industry must balance the racing aspect of the sport with the business side, never before have so many people had access to the amusing circus that is Formula 1.

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