Formula One achieved its largest total audience in five years, driven by a substantial surge in live viewing. According to Nielsen Sports, the cumulative audience reached 1.83 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent from the previous year. The average audience per Grand Prix, excluding YouTube, was 76.1 million, the highest since 2020.
Live race viewership saw a 19.8 percent increase, with qualifying up 22.8 percent and practice sessions up 24.9 percent. "Formula One delivered the largest audience in five years," stated Andy Milnes, Nielsen's market lead for sports in the UK and Ireland.
While linear broadcasters still represent over 75 percent of the total audience, Over-The-Top (OTT) online sources have nearly doubled their share in five years. Sponsor visibility during race weekends increased by over 90 percent since 2020, with nearly 600 brands gaining exposure in the last season.
Formula One remains the world's most-watched motorsport, with its average Grand Prix audience 3.1 times greater than its nearest competitor, MotoGP. Italy, Britain, and Germany constituted the largest individual markets, accounting for over a quarter of global audiences. Canada entered the top 10 audience markets, replacing Mexico.