Is F1 Racing Overtaking NASCAR In The US Broadcast Race?
The popularity of Formula 1 (F1) racing has been on the rise in the United States in recent years, while NASCAR's popularity has declined. This is evident in the broadcast ratings for both series. In 2022, the average viewership for F1 races on ESPN was 1.4 million, up from 950,000 in 2021. Meanwhile, the average viewership for NASCAR races on Fox Sports 1 was 1.1 million, down from 1.3 million in 2021.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to F1's growing popularity in the US. One is the increasing popularity of the sport globally. F1 is the most popular motorsport series in the world, with races held in 23 countries. This global reach has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the US.
Another factor is the rise of American drivers in F1. In recent years, a number of American drivers have competed in F1, including Alexander Rossi, Will Power, and Scott Speed. These drivers have helped to connect American fans with the sport.
Finally, the Liberty Media takeover of F1 in 2017 has also played a role in the sport's growing popularity in the US. Liberty Media has made a number of changes to the sport, including increasing the number of races in the US and making the sport more accessible to fans. These changes have helped to attract new fans to the sport.
NASCAR's Decline in Popularity
While F1's popularity has been on the rise, NASCAR's popularity has declined in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including:
The Future of Motorsports in the US
It is difficult to say what the future holds for motorsports in the US. However, it is clear that F1 is on the rise, while NASCAR is in decline. It is possible that F1 could eventually overtake NASCAR as the most popular motorsport series in the US. However, it is also possible that both series will continue to coexist, with each appealing to a different audience.