F1 records increase in TV audience after 108m watched Abu Dhabi finale

The 2021 Formula 1 season saw an increase in TV ratings, with 108 million viewers tuning in to see the Abu Dhabi championship battle.

The 2021 Formula 1 season’s live attendance figures have been released, including the sport’s impressive digital and television ratings, which were highlighted by the sport’s president and CEO Stefano Domenicali in a press release.

The total TV audience for the 2021 season surpassed 1.5 billion people across the globe, up 4% from the previous year’s season, and figures for the Abu Dhabi finale were up 29% from the previous year’s race.

Following a highly controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale , Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to win the 2021 drivers’ championship.

As a result, digital and social media channels, as well as video and live coverage, have exploded, with results indicating that “F1 is surpassing other major sports in the digital world.” “In 2021, the digital percentage of total minutes consumed across broadcast and digital increased from 10% in 2020 to 16%.”

F1 had an average TV audience of 70.3 million per grand prix, with high results at the three sprint weekends at Silverstone (79.5 million), Monza (80.4 million), and Sao Paulo (82.1m).

After a mainly closed-door season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic, F1 welcomed back 2.69 million fans in 2021, albeit some races still having reduced capacities.

Over the course of the race weekend, the United States, Mexico City, and the British Grand Prix each drew over 300,000 spectators, with all three drawing more than in 2019.

“The 2021 season was something very special. We had a championship battle that went to the last race with huge excitement throughout the whole championship.

“We began to welcome back our fans who are the heart and soul of our sport and although we were limited in our capacities due to COVID, it was fantastic to see 2.6 million fans in the grandstands around the world,” F1 boss Domenicali was quoted in a press statement summarizing the year’s global exposure.

“We have also seen some very strong figures across broadcast and our digital platforms, showing once again the momentum, excitement and interest that is all around Formula 1.

“We are looking forward to our record-breaking 23 race season this year, with new cars, new regulations, and a new challenge for all the teams and drivers. I know all of our fans can’t wait to get the season started,” concluded Domenicali.