F1’s cumulative TV audience for the 2021’s record-breaking 22 race season was 1.55bn, up by 4% on 2020, with an average race audience of 70.3m. In countries where TV deals remained the same, average viewing figures rose by 13%, but new pay TV deals caused a drop in Brazil and Germany.
At the circuits, Silverstone recorded a record attendance of 356,000 spectators, up from 350,000 in 2019. There were also record crowds at the Circuit of the Americas and Mexico City but Covid restrictions — particularly in the first part of the year meant attendances were down to 2.69million, down on the 4.16m who attended a race before Covid.
“The 2021 season was something very special,” said Stefano Domenicali, F1’s president and CEO. “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.
“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.”