Season Recap and Attendance Highlights
The thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season, which concluded with Lando Norris’s dramatic victory over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, also saw record-breaking attendance figures.
Formula 1 shared the numerical summary of its 2025 season, comprising 24 races from March to December across 21 countries. Among the highlights, attendance reached a new high of 6.7 million spectators.
In 2019, the last season before the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula 1 reported 4.2 million attendees. Following a couple of years with restrictions, attendance figures rose to 5.7 million in 2022, 6 million in 2023, and peaked at 6.5 million in 2024.
The organization noted that 19 out of the 24 races in 2025 were sold out, with 11 setting new local attendance records. Four weekends attracted over 400,000 spectators, including the Australian Grand Prix (465,000) and Great Britain (500,000). Ten more races recorded attendance exceeding 300,000, such as Belgium (389,000), Italy (369,000), and Canada (352,000).
McLaren Dominates with Norris and Piastri
McLaren was the standout team, clinching both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This marked the first time since 1998 that a team achieved this double.
“It’s been an incredible year,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, reflecting on the 2025 season’s numbers.
“What’s most remarkable is that there were three distinct phases when everyone believed the championship was decided. Initially, before the summer break, Piastri seemed poised to win. Then, in October, Norris appeared set to claim the title. By mid-November, Verstappen (Red Bull) had a mission and seemed poised for victory.”
Global Fanbase Reaches New Height with 827 Million
The intense competition throughout the season also impacted Formula 1’s global fanbase, which reached another record of 827 million—a 12% increase from 2024.
Within this fanbase, two key demographics stand out: age and gender. According to the official report, 43% of all fans are 35 years old or younger, and 42% are women.
“This is my fifth year in the role, and looking back at the evolution we’ve seen has been incredible,” Domenicali added. “We’re working hard to enhance the on-site experience through entertainment, fan zones, sports activations, and music to support the main track spectacle.”
“Next year, Madrid will join our family, and we’re negotiating with other countries to potentially add more. Many want to be part of our event, but we’re diligently working on a more sustainable calendar in terms of race flow.”
Digital Engagement Surpasses Other Major Sports Leagues
Formula 1 also saw significant growth in digital engagement, with over 2.3 billion interactions on social media platforms.
TikTok experienced the highest percentage growth in followers compared to 2024, at 91%, followed by YouTube (53%), Facebook (51%), Instagram (25%), and X (formerly Twitter) at 1%. The total digital community stands at 114.5 million, representing a 19% increase from the previous year.
Renewals and Future Races
Formula 1 secured renewal agreements for eight Grand Prix events, with Austria’s commitment extending until 2041.
The 2026 season is set to begin on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix, assuming all plans proceed as expected, and conclude on December 6 in the United Arab Emirates, featuring 24 races—similar to 2025.
Mexico’s interest is expected to return with Checo Pérez, who took a sabbatical but will join the new Cadillac team.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the attendance record for Formula 1’s 2025 season? The attendance record was 6.7 million spectators across 24 races.
- How did the global fanbase grow in 2025 compared to 2024? The global fanbase grew by 12%, reaching a record-high of 827 million.
- Which teams dominated the 2025 Formula 1 season? McLaren clinched both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
- How did Formula 1’s digital engagement compare to other major sports leagues? Formula 1 surpassed the NBA, Champions League, NFL, and Premier League in digital interactions.
- What are Formula 1’s plans for the future? Madrid will join the calendar in the upcoming season, and negotiations are ongoing for more sustainable race flow.
