In a survey by the Nielsen Group, Motorsport Network and F1, fans from 187 countries voted McLaren the most popular team and Max Verstappen the most popular driver. The survey gave fans the opportunity to provide feedback on the sport and rate their favorite races this season.
The Nielsen Group sampled 167,302 responses in their survey, showing that the sport’s female following has increased since 2017 and the F1 fan has dropped to 32.
F1 fans rate Verstappen as the most popular driver and McLaren as the most popular team
Among the top 5 races on the calendar, F1 fans placed Monza, Spa, Silverstone, Monaco and Japan as the top 5 favorites. The new race to get a voice in terms of entertainment value for the fans was the Azerbaijani GP venue of Baku.
Racing fans, we’re infinitely grateful that we were named the people’s most popular team in the @F1 fan poll.
You are at the heart of everything we do and we are impressed with your continued passion and support for @ McLarenF1
Thanks very much. #FansLikeNoOther
Lewis Hamilton was the third most popular driver overall, but topped the popularity list in his home country (UK). The seven-time world champion was also the most popular in all age groups from 35 years of age and placed second in the USA.
Sprint races, the latest addition to the F1 format, have been well received by fans but remain unpopular in the paddock. The survey also found that awareness of the sustainable fuels of sport is growing. 55% of fans believe the sport is leading the development of 100% sustainable fuels worldwide. A total of 65% of F1 fans knew about F1’s introduction of the new sustainable fuels for the 2025 season and beyond.
When reviewing online gaming, one of the fastest growing platforms in motorsport, the survey found that 51% of respondents were involved in motorsport gaming. According to the F1 fan survey, 61% of fans between the ages of 18 and 24 actively participated in e-gaming.
Commenting on the poll, F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We are very grateful to all the fans who took the time to share their views in this huge poll. Your views are very valuable to us and we are very pleased with what we saw in the results. “
The Italian Formula 1 boss thanked fans for their support and opinions, adding:
“As a sport, we are privileged to be truly international and to race in continents and countries around the world with a global fan base. We reach every corner of the world through our events, TV broadcasts and social media and media content. “
Commenting on the digital platforms that have contributed to the growth of the sport, Domenicali said:
“It’s a blessing – to have a platform like this – but it’s also a responsibility. We need to protect what we have, grow it, reach more fans, and make sure these blessings last and grow stronger. “
Finally, the F1 president praised the poll, saying:
“The results of the survey show that we are doing the right things and will continue to focus on creating excitement and entertainment on and off the track, which is what all of our fans want.”
Motorsport Network President James Allen commented on the poll by saying:
“F1 has struggled in the past to attract younger fans, especially the female fan base, and this survey speaks volumes about how the digital first approach of new management and the funnel effect of projects like Netflix Drive To Survive a new generation of passionate F1 – Address fans. ”
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Despite the pandemic, the 2020 season broke audience records worldwide, making the sport one of the most addicting in the world. Netflix Drive to Survive has helped F1 attract new audiences and grow in countries where it traditionally didn’t have a popular fan base. In the meantime, the ongoing battle between Verstappen and Hamilton has helped maintain the lingering interest of audiences around the world.
Edited by Sandeep Banerjee
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