Disney-owned ABC attracted an average audience of 1.76 million viewers at last weekend’s Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
Confirmed:
- The viewership represents the fourth largest live viewership in the US at any Formula 1 race
- Three of the four biggest US viewerships occurred in the 2023 season
- Viewership peaked at 1.92 million viewers
Context: The 2022 Miami Grand Prix drew the largest US live audience in history, averaging 2.6 million viewers. ESPN’s alternative show, The Grandstand, also made its debut last weekend, starring ex-Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and actor Will Arnett. Similar in concept to the network’s “Manningcast” show covering coverage of the National Football League (NFL), “The Grandstand” drew an average audience of 114,000.
Consequence: Formula 1 continues to enjoy solid ratings in the US despite a pedestrian season, underscoring the potential for further growth once thrilling racing returns. After nine races, Formula 1 averages 1.28 million viewers on ABC and ESPN, up from last year’s record 1.21 million. The grandstand featuring Ricciardo and Arnett is expected to return for the remaining two US races this season.
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