Disney-owned ABC attracted an average audience of 1.76 million viewers during last weekend’s Formula One Canadian Grand Prix.
Confirmed:
- Fourth-largest live US audience ever for a Formula One race
- Three of the four largest US audiences have occurred during the 2023 season
- Viewership peaked at 1.92 million viewers
Context: The Miami Grand Prix in 2022 posted the largest live US audience in history, with an average of 2.6 million viewers. Last weekend also saw the debut of ESPN’s alternate telecast, The Grandstand, with former Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo and actor Will Arnett. A similar concept to the network’s ‘Manningcast’ broadcast for its coverage of the National Football League (NFL), The Grandstand attracted an average audience of 114,000 viewers.
Consequence: Formula One continues to post solid ratings in the US despite a pedestrian season, which highlights the potential room for further growth once more exciting racing is on show. After nine races, Formula One is averaging 1.28 million viewers across ABC and ESPN, up from last year’s record of 1.21 million. The Grandstand with Ricciardo and Arnett is set to return at the remaining two US races this season.