Azerbaijan GP Reportedly Pulled in Record F1 Numbers from the United States of America

Many fans may assume the most-watched Grand Prix in Formula One is the prestigious Monaco GP or the finale in Abu Dhabi. However, at the recent Azerbaijan GP, a record was set as there was a huge boost in viewership from the United States.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Netflix special, Drive to Survive, has played a key role in getting the numbers up in the sport. We can only assume that these statistics will keep increasing as the series gains more traction.

What were the statistics for the Azerbaijan GP?

Joe Pompliano, a sports analyst from New York, reported that ESPN had over 950,000 viewers for the Azerbaijan GP in Baku last weekend.

Most-watched F1 contest this season, and the largest US audience for Baku in history. The total viewership of F1 in the US increased by 36%.

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What made the race in Baku so interesting?

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was one of the most dramatic and exciting races we had so far this season. Max Verstappen, who was leading the race and the championship table, had a huge crash that saw him retire from the race and lost the opportunity to score vital points need for the title.

The Dutchman’s crash brought out the red flag, and the race had to be started with just two laps remaining. His arch-rival, Lewis Hamilton, was in second place and was aiming to take the lead from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. However, Hamilton pushed too hard as he was heading into Turn 1, and found himself in the run-off area.

The Knight fell from second to fifteenth on the grid in a matter of seconds. It was the first time in years that Lewis had endured a poor finish in his F1 career.

Another vital part of the race, was that Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel scored his first podium of the season by coming second.

After seeing him have a poor start in his new chapter, it was refreshing for his fans to see the 4-time world champion back on the top step.

What was your favorite moment from the Grand Prix? Vettel’s podium, Perez’s first win? Do tells us in the comments section below.

Read More: Azerbaijan GP: Brawn Explains Mercedes’ Friday Struggles