Formula 1 attendance figures on the rise for 2019

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Formula 1 has released its 2019 attendance figures which indicate a slight increase of spectator presence year-over-year according to data supplied by all 21 race promoters.

A total of 4,164,948 spectators converged to F1 races this year, representing a 1.75% increase relative to 2018 despite the cancellation earlier this year of Saturday's running at the Japanese Grand Prix because of Typhoon Hagibis.

Digging into the numbers, Sunday attendance rose by 4% year-over-year, while three Grands Prix had a weekend attendance of over 300,000 people: Great Britain (351,000), Mexico (345,694) and Australia (324,100).

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone topped both weekend and Sunday numbers, while the Italian Grand Prix surpassed its own historical attendance record, with 200,000 spectators traveling to Monza over the weekend.

The greatest attendance increases relative to 2018 were enjoyed by Montreal (+14.69%), Shanghai (+10.34%), Melbourne (+9.86%), Spielberg (+9.73%), Budapest (+9.52%) and Monza (+9.29%).

Paddock Club numbers were also on the rise this season by 7.15%.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations, Formula 1 said:
"2019 has been another great year for Formula 1 and we are delighted to see that over 4 million fans joined us at our 21 races, beating the attendance figures for last year, including a record breaking Italian Grand Prix weekend attendance with 200,000 spectators.

"Our mission is to unleash the greatest racing spectacle on the planet and give our fans an experience they will never forget.

"We are therefore delighted to see that, based on research carried out on the ground, those attending events are enjoying their experience over a race weekend and we are determined to ensure they continue to feel that way.

"2019 has been an incredible season and we are already looking forward to next year when Hanoi and Zandvoort will join our 22 race calendar and when Formula 1 celebrates its 70th anniversary."

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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.