Formula 1 Breaks U.S. Viewership Record at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Formula One’s popularity in the United States has reached new heights, with the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivering record-breaking television numbers. The event, broadcast on ESPN, averaged 1.1 million viewers, marking the first time the race has crossed the one-million-viewer threshold in America. This milestone further cements the sport’s steady growth in a market that has traditionally been dominated by NASCAR.

A Historic Moment for Formula One in the U.S.

For years, Formula One struggled to gain the same audience traction in the U.S. as in Europe or Asia. However, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix demonstrated the sport’s growing foothold, as it became the 11th event of the 2025 season to set a record for ESPN. “It marked the first time the race has ever surpassed the one-million-viewer threshold in the United States,” underlining the growing influence of international motorsport on American screens.

Strong Year-Over-Year Growth

Compared to last year’s figures, the jump in numbers is significant. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw a 27.2 percent increase in viewership, which stands as ESPN’s largest growth since the Belgian Grand Prix in 2024, which climbed by 27.3 percent. Last year, this race was one of nine events that failed to attract a million viewers. In 2025, however, only two races have missed the mark, showing consistent progress.

Record-Breaking Season in Progress

Through 17 races this season, Formula One is averaging 1.33 million viewers in the U.S. This comfortably surpasses the 1.18 million average recorded at the same point last year. The 2024 season as a whole closed with an average of 1.13 million, which means this year is on course to become the strongest season yet for the sport in America. The results underline the sport’s transformation from a niche motorsport into a mainstream viewing option for fans across the country.

NASCAR’s Declining Numbers

While Formula One enjoys rising success, NASCAR is facing challenges. Its latest playoff race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway drew an average of just 1.29 million viewers on USA Network. This was its lowest audience of the season and marked the first time in NASCAR’s broadcast history that four consecutive races fell below the two-million mark. The contrast between the two motorsports reflects a shift in audience preferences, especially among younger and more global-minded fans.

Narrowing the Gap Between Formula One and NASCAR

What makes this development even more striking is the shrinking difference between Formula One and NASCAR viewership in the United States. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Formula One trailed NASCAR by only 190,000 viewers — the closest margin seen this year. Historically, NASCAR has maintained a comfortable lead, but this new reality suggests that Formula One could soon challenge it directly for dominance in the motorsport broadcasting market.

Why Formula One is Attracting U.S. Fans

Several factors have contributed to Formula One’s surging popularity. The global appeal of the sport, combined with high-profile races in the U.S. such as the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix, has drawn in new viewers. Streaming accessibility, social media engagement, and behind-the-scenes shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive have also helped American fans connect with the personalities and drama of the sport. These elements, coupled with ESPN’s extensive coverage, have made Formula One more relatable to U.S. audiences than ever before.

The Future Outlook for Formula One in the U.S.

If the current trajectory continues, Formula One is likely to challenge NASCAR head-on in terms of viewership. With more races on the calendar, expanding coverage, and rising sponsorship interest, the sport has all the momentum it needs to grow further. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is not just a one-off milestone but part of a wider trend showing that Formula One is becoming a major force in U.S. sports entertainment.

Global Expansion and African Aspirations

Formula One’s success in America also complements its global expansion strategy. Recently, Nigeria submitted a bid to host the first African Formula One Grand Prix in Abuja. If successful, it would add another continent to the calendar and underline the sport’s global ambitions. With record-breaking viewership figures and international interest, Formula One is entering a new era of growth and inclusivity.