F1 to boost fan engagement in Spain with new initiatives

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Following the success and increased exposure enjoyed by Formula 1 on social media, new initiatives destined to further encourage fan engagement will be introduced in Spain.

Teams and drivers took full advantage of Liberty Media's decision to relax social media rules earlier this year, with short video content from the F1 paddock now permitted under certain conditions, with limitations more linked to timing rather than content.

The relative liberalization has been a great success, according to F1 CEO Chase Carey who is putting the fan at the forefront of Formula 1's development.

"We unleashed our drivers, teams, promoters and more on social media, which resulted in a three to four fold growth in areas like video engagement on social media," said Carey.

"We move into the European portion of our season in Barcelona this weekend, where we’ll launch a few more things to engage fans. It should be fun."

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But Carey is also focusing on the bigger picture and the future of a sport in dire need of evolution and development from the fans' perspective.

"We’ve begun to work with the FIA and the teams to take steps to ensure that our competition on the track delivers the best fan experience possible," added the American executive.

"We are addressing the engine, the costs, the rules and other key issues all with the goal of making the sport the best it can be.

"As part of the process we are also reviewing the broader race weekend in areas like support races to enhance and improve the experience for fans.

"We have a lot to do, and we’re off to a good start with four races under our belt, attendance up and strong results in TV viewership and digital engagement."

The American executive underlined the necessity for the sport to better understand who makes up its core audience.

"We’re also building tools that did not previously exist, like research, databases, digital platforms, and marketing capabilities to provide the necessary insights and information to grow and deepen our fan base around the world."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.