Formula 1 reports rise in TV viewership for 2018

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Formula 1's TV and digital viewership figures increased for the second year in a row, with the sport claiming in 2018 a global TV audience of over 490 million unique viewers.

The global increase in viewership equates to a rise of 10 percent compared to the previous year, with Brazil, China and the USA representing the sport's top three markets in terms of TV reach.

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"The TV cumulative audience in the top 20 markets** (based in ranking of TV audience) stood at 1.59b, which represents an increase of 3% compared to 2017. This is the second consecutive year of growth. The global cumulative audience reached 1.758bn," stated Formula 1.

"The Monaco Grand Prix had the highest cumulative audience of the season with 110m viewers (+10% year on year).

"Six events also had more than 90m viewers: Bahrain, France, Austria, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico."

Formula 1's digital assets grew significantly, with its social media platforms enjoying a 53 percent growth in followers, confirming Formula 1 as the fastest growing major sport on social media platforms.

Formula 1's also enjoyed a significant boost of its audience on Youtube, with a 115 percent increase of its subscriber growth rate, the best of all marquee rights holders.

New offerings, such as Formula1.com's podcast 'Beyond the Grid' and the post-race live Twitter show attracted more than 14 million people.

Finally, according to data and measurement company Nielsen, the sport's fanbase grew from 503 million to 506 million in 2018, with 205 million fans under the age of 35, a number that reflects Formula 1's efforts to attract a young audience.

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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.