40 Facts About F1 TV

Global Reach and Availability

F1 TV has revolutionized how fans experience Formula 1, bringing the thrill of the race to screens worldwide. Let's explore its global reach and availability.

1. Global Reach of F1 TV
   F1 TV is accessible in over 180 countries, making it a truly global platform for Formula 1 enthusiasts.

2. Availability in the USA
   In the USA, fans can access F1 TV through the website or app. Subscriptions include F1 TV Pro at $79.99 per year or $9.99 per month, and F1 TV Access at $26.99 per year or $3.99 per month.

3. Availability in the UK
   Unfortunately, F1 TV is not available in the UK due to exclusive broadcasting rights held by Sky Sports.

Subscription Options and Costs

F1 TV offers different subscription plans to cater to various needs. Here's a breakdown of the options and their costs.

4. Subscription Options
   Two main plans are available: F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access. F1 TV Pro includes live streams, exclusive content, onboard cameras, and radio transmissions. F1 TV Access offers replays and historical content.

5. Cost of Subscription
   In the USA, F1 TV Pro costs $79.99 per year or $9.99 per month, while F1 TV Access is $26.99 per year or $3.99 per month. Prices vary by country.

Features and Content

F1 TV isn't just about watching races. It offers a range of features and exclusive content that enhance the viewing experience.

6. Live Races on F1 TV
   F1 TV Pro subscribers can watch every race live or on demand. F1 TV Access provides replays of previous races.

7. Exclusive Content
   Both subscription plans include exclusive content like driver interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

8. Onboard Cameras
   Onboard cameras give fans a thrilling perspective from the driver's point of view.

9. Radio Transmissions
   Live radio transmissions allow fans to experience the race as if they were in the pit lane.

10. Historical Content
    F1 TV Access subscribers can enjoy replays of past races and other archival footage.

Audience and Viewership

Formula 1 has seen significant growth in its audience, thanks in part to F1 TV. Let's look at some impressive viewership stats.

11. Global Audience Figures
    In 2021, the cumulative TV audience for Formula 1 was 1.55 billion, a 4% increase from 2020.

12. Strong Audiences in Key Markets
    The Netherlands saw an 81% increase in viewership, the USA 58%, France 48%, Italy 40%, and the UK 39%.

13. Unique Viewers
    In 2021, 445 million unique viewers tuned in, with China leading at 70.8 million.

14. Average Audience Per Grand Prix
    The average audience per Grand Prix in 2021 was 70.3 million.

Digital Growth and Social Media

F1 TV's digital presence has also seen remarkable growth. Here's how Formula 1 is thriving online.

15. Digital Growth
    In 2021, followers across social media platforms increased by 40% to 49.1 million.

16. Digital Share of Total Minutes Consumed
    The digital share grew from 10% in 2020 to 16% in 2021.

17. Social Media Presence
    By 2023, Formula 1 had 70 million followers on social media, up from 60.6 million in 2022.

18. Fastest-Growing Major Sports League
    In 2021, Formula 1 was the fastest-growing major sports league in terms of follower growth.

19. Engagement Rate
    Formula 1 had the highest engagement rate with social posts among major sports in 2021.

20. Video Views
    Total video views across F1.com, the F1 app, and social media were up 44% to 7.04 billion in 2021.

21. Unique Users
    Unique users on F1.com and related platforms increased by 63% to 113 million in 2021.

22. Page Views
    Page views on F1.com and related platforms were up 23% to 1.6 billion in 2021.

23. Digital Growth in China
    Followers on Chinese platforms like Weibo and WeChat grew by 39% to 2.7 million in 2021.

TV Audience Figures and Events

Certain races and events have drawn particularly large audiences. Here are some highlights.

24. TV Audience Figures for 2021
    The cumulative TV audience for 2021 was 1.55 billion, with significant rises in several markets.

25. Season Opener in Bahrain
    The 2021 season opener in Bahrain drew 84.5 million viewers.

26. Sprint Weekend Events
    Sprint events at Silverstone, Monza, and Sao Paulo attracted strong audiences, with Sao Paulo drawing 82.1 million viewers.

27. Season Finale in Abu Dhabi
    The 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi drew 108.7 million viewers, the highest for any race that season.

Challenges and Comparisons

Despite its success, F1 TV faces challenges, especially in the competitive US market. Let's compare it with other motorsports.

28. Global Ratings Flatline
    Formula 1's global ratings have flatlined, with a cumulative audience of 1.5 billion in 2021.

29. Nielsen Measurement Changes
    Changes in Nielsen's measurement system have impacted sports ratings, including Formula 1.

30. IndyCar vs. Formula 1 Viewership
    IndyCar has more weekly viewers than Formula 1 in the USA, with 300,000 more weekly viewers.

31. NASCAR Viewership
    NASCAR averages 2.8 million viewers per race, with ratings up 11% in 2021.

32. Australian Grand Prix
    The Australian Grand Prix saw a 3% decline in viewership.

Impact of "Drive to Survive"

The Netflix series "Drive to Survive" has played a role in boosting Formula 1's popularity, especially in the USA.

33. Drive to Survive Impact
    The series has significantly increased Formula 1's popularity, though some argue its impact is overstated.

34. Strategic Takeaway: Distribution Matters
    The move from NBC Sports to ESPN and increased social media focus have boosted F1's reach.

35. Formula 1's Move to ESPN
    The switch from NBC Sports to ESPN has been significant for Formula 1's visibility in the US.

36. Liberty Media’s Push
    Liberty Media's efforts in the American market have helped grow F1's audience.

37. Nielsen’s Out-of-Home Viewership
    Nielsen's inclusion of out-of-home viewership has positively impacted F1's audience figures.

Social Media Growth and Driver Salaries

Formula 1's social media presence continues to grow, and driver salaries reflect the sport's high stakes.

38. Social Media Follower Growth
    Despite flatlining global ratings, Formula 1 saw a 23% increase in social media followers in 2022 and a further 10% increase in 2023.

39. Driver Salaries
    In 2022, Max Verstappen earned $60 million, Lewis Hamilton $55 million, and Carlos Alonso $30 million.

40. Cost of an F1 Car
    Manufacturing an F1 car costs around $11.83 million, with the engine alone costing up to $7 million and usable for only 5-7 races.

F1 TV's Impact on Formula 1

F1 TV has transformed how fans experience Formula 1. Available in over 180 countries, it offers live races, exclusive content, and historical replays. The two subscription options, F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access, cater to different needs, with Pro providing live streams and Access offering replays and historical footage. Unique features like onboard cameras and live radio transmissions enhance the viewing experience.

Despite challenges in some markets, F1 TV's digital growth is undeniable. Social media engagement has skyrocketed, and the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" has boosted popularity, especially in the USA. Liberty Media's strategic moves, including the shift to ESPN, have also played a crucial role.

F1 TV has become essential for fans worldwide, blending traditional broadcasting with digital innovation to keep the sport exciting and accessible.