F1 growth boosted by China, nearly 90 million more views that last year, research shows
Formula One added nearly 90 million new fans last year, with China showing the biggest percentage rise following the sport's post-Covid-19 return to Shanghai, according to data released by Nielsen Sports on Wednesday.
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China was on the calendar last year for the first time since 2019 and the circuit hosts the second round of the 2025 season this weekend, although there is no longer a Chinese driver on the grid.
Zhou Guanyu is now Ferrari reserve, after losing his race seat at Sauber.
Nielsen put Formula One's global fandom at 826.5 million, 12 per cent more than in 2023, with a 39 per cent increase in fans following in China over the last 12 months.
The United States, a key growth market with three grands prix, showed a 10.5 per cent expansion. Canada (+31.5 per cent), Argentina and Saudi Arabia (both +25.5 per cent) were also strong.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates with the trophy after winning the Chinese Grand Prix in 2024. Photo: Reuters
The Argentine figures reflect the effect of Franco Colapinto last year becoming the country's first driver on the grid since 2001 when he replaced dropped American Logan Sargeant at Williams.
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