Bahrain GP most viewed race on ESPN since 1995

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Formula 1's curtain raiser in Bahrain last weekend attracted a peak audience of 1.5 million U.S. viewers according to ESPN, making it the most viewed F1 race on cable since 1995.

On average, the opening round of the 2022 F1 season at Sakhir lured 1.3 million viewers in the U.S. but the closing stages of the thrilling race attracted an extra 200,000 viewers.

The metrics, which were measured by analytics company Nielsen, were up significantly compared to the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix which generated an average 927,000 viewers, according to ESPN.

Read also: 'Drive to Survive' must continue to 'add value' to F1 - Domenicali

The Disney-owned network said that last Sunday's race wo, by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc drew more cable viewers than any other round of the F1 world championship since the 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix, which averaged 1.75 million viewers.

Formula 1's profile and popularity in the U.S. have been boosted by the success of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' series which debuted in 2019 and which is now in its fourth season.

Formula 1's growth in America has allowed commercial rights holder Liberty Media to add a second race in the country, with Miami joining Austin this year on F1's calendar.

But F1's footprint in the U.S. is likely to continue to expand with Liberty rumored to be close to sealing a deal with Las Vegas which could join the sport's agenda as soon as 2023.

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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.