Millions of Americans Contribute to F1’s $4.6 Billion Dream as Lewis Hamilton & Co. Continue to Impress

F1 officials and team principals have time and again talked about the sport’s growing popularity in America. Each year teams and drivers devise ways to attract more US audiences ahead of the fixtures in the States. While we see how the races in the far west country pull in impressive crowds at the venues, the viewership numbers back the claims.

America is the home to many motorsport championships, however, F1 was always left wanting for the popularity it commands in other parts of the world. The change in trend picked up the pace since the Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, became popular. Ever since then, the upward trend has continued and is showing no signs of slowing down in the near future. Liberty Media, which, according to Forbes, bought the F1 for $4.6 billion, is in for a massive increase in profits.

Vincenzo Landino reported on Twitter, “The 2022 F1 season continued its US takeover. US average TV audience increased 28% to over 1.21 million. Women averaged 352K viewers per race, up 34% over ‘21, and averaged 28% of the ‘22 audience. Persons 12-17 were up 49% over ‘21, averaging 36,000 viewers per race.”

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As Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes dominated the sport for many years, the results became monotonous. However, since the thrilling championship win for Max Verstappen in 2021, things have become more exciting. The increased competitiveness could be one of the reasons for F1’s growing popularity in the US in 2022.

Three reasons why F1 will continue to grow in the United States

Mario Andretti and his family are ready to float a team of their own in F1 in 2024. While the officials in F1 haven’t confirmed anything yet, the Andretti family is committed to their dream. While we already have an all-American team in the championship, Haas, they have never competed at the highest level. That could change with Andretti’s arrival.

Another factor that could boost F1’s popularity in the States is having an American driver, Logan Sargeant on the grid. Sargeant, after an impressive performance in F2 and F3, got a seat with Williams and will start his rookie season in the upcoming 2023 season. He will be the first American driver in F1 since Alexander Rossi who last raced in 2015.

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USA is ready to host 3 races in 2023 with Las Vegas being added to the F1 calendar. The race will be a night-time fixture that will run on a street circuit. Having 3 fixtures will not only attract more audience at the venues but will also create a buzz for the viewers sitting at home. It looks like the US will soon be at the center of F1’s excitement soon.