Formula 1 succeed in growing TV and digital audiences in 2018

  • Published on 19 Jan 2019 13:18
  • comments 3
  • By: Coilin Higgins

Formula 1 has announced a successful increase in their digital and television platforms in 2018. The rise comes after a content and presentation revamp by new owners Liberty Media for the 2018 season. Areas such as a new logo, TV graphics and the introduction of a streaming service in selected territories has seen a general interest increase.

Liberty Media, who took over from Bernie Ecclestone and the CVC Group after a buyout of Formula One Management in 2016, were looking to revamp the sport in the interest of attracting more viewers, with the most attention focused on younger audiences.

"Formula 1 has registered a significant increase in its audience figures during the 2018 season, across both digital and TV platforms, compared to the previous year." The official Press Release read, which was released today. "In terms of unique viewers, during 2018 the sport once again had an improvement globally (+10%), reaching 490.2-million."

It was noted that F1's biggest markets currently are Brazil, Germany and Italy, where the Chinese market seen a viewing figure three times that of 2017, thanks to the return of the sport to the free-to-air broadcaster, CCTV. It was also revealed that the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix was the most viewed race, peaking at 100 million total viewers. Formula 1's social media platforms also saw a significant rise.

"In 2018 the number of users across Formula 1’s social media platforms also grew significantly, with the total number of followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube reaching 18.5-million (+53.7 compared to 2017), confirming Formula 1 as the fastest growing major sport on social media platforms." read today's statement.

As well as a rise on social media networks, F1's Youtube seen a staggering 115% rise in growth, the highest of all marquee holder rights on the sight. However, UK viewers will have no option but to opt for Sky Sports in 2019 as F1 is set to be taken off the free-to-air Channel 4, leaving only highlight packages and the British Grand Prix live on the channel, giving Sky exclusive rights. It is yet to be seen how this will affect UK viewership rates of the sport.

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • They've done a good job at it. But I beg of you, unshackle us from Viasat. Carey, Deliver us!

    • + 0
    • Jan 19 2019 - 14:34
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    When you're starting from near zero any gains look good.

    • + 0
    • Jan 19 2019 - 17:30
  • There’s substantial opportunity left untapped on the social media and the developing markets with increased middle class. Hope F1 would leave no stone unturned.

    • + 0
    • Jan 19 2019 - 18:35

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Oct 28 1930 (94)
  • Place of b. Bungay, Suffolk, England, UK, GB
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 1.59 m
Show full profile
show sidebar