NASCAR has long been the most-watched racing sport in the United States, but Formula 1 made its mark at the Miami Grand Prix for the third time since its inaugural year in 2022. Compared to its first entry into the US market, the sport saw a significant increase in attendance, with over nearly 300,000 fans in attendance. Last week’s event recorded 45,000 more fans compared to 2022 and 5,000 more than last year.
In a recent note, Jeff Gluck highlighted this milestone, stating, “F1 smashed its U.S. viewership record (for any F1 race ever) and also beat NASCAR in the ratings for what is believed to be the first time. NASCAR obviously had a three-hour rain delay, but still…this was unthinkable not long ago.”
F1 smashed its U.S. viewership record (for any F1 race ever) and also beat NASCAR in the ratings for what is believed to be the first time. NASCAR obviously had a three-hour rain delay, but still…this was unthinkable not long ago. (story via @mwc13_3) https://t.co/5rHswZ4vQj
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 7, 2024
ESPN reported that an average of 3.1 million viewers tuned in for ABC’s broadcast on Sunday, with a peak of 3.6 million. The previous record average viewership was 2.6 million viewers (and peaked at 2.9 million), which was set during the inaugural Miami GP in 2022. The television ratings then dipped for last year’s race, coming in at 1.96 million.
This achievement underscores the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States and its ability to compete with established motorsports like NASCAR in terms of viewership and fan engagement.
Lando Norris Ends Max Verstappen’s F1 Winning Streak at Miami Grand Prix
In a thrilling showdown at the 2024 Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, achieved a remarkable breakthrough victory. Norris’s triumph not only secured his first-ever Formula 1 win but also halted Max Verstappen’s impressive winning streak in the United States.
Norris started from fifth position on the grid, but he quickly made his presence felt. As the race progressed, he found himself in a fierce battle with Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing star.
The Miami International Autodrome witnessed intense wheel-to-wheel action as Norris and Verstappen fought for supremacy. Norris’s cool and collected performance ensured that he banished the near-miss memories of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix.
Crossing the finish line, Norris secured his first win in 110 career starts for McLaren, etching his name in Formula 1 history. Verstappen, who had dominated recent races in the U.S., settled for second place. Norris’s victory marked the end of Verstappen’s six-race winning streak on American soil.
READ MORE: Ferrari’s Fred Team Principal Joins McLaren Celebration: Memorable Moment from Miami GP
