Formula 1 Races Roar to Success in Austria With Record Viewership
The Formula 1 season churned out a thrilling ride for fans, and Austria proved to be a hotbed of excitement. The entire season drew tremendous viewership, solidifying the sport’s enduring popularity in the nation.
Unstoppable Momentum: Austrian Fans Fuel Record Viewership Figures
Despite the driver’s championship already being decided before the final race in Abu Dhabi, an impressive 555,000 motorsport fans tuned in, demonstrating the unwavering passion for the sport. On average, 505,000 viewers watched each race, with a remarkable 51 percent market share among the coveted 12-29 year old target group.
In total, a staggering 4.777 million viewers – representing 63 percent of the country’s domestic TV population aged 12 and over – tuned into the ORF broadcasts throughout the electrifying season.
British Grand Prix Speeds to Top Viewership
The British Grand Prix stirred particularly high emotions, reaching its peak viewership on July 7th with up to 755,000 viewers glued to their screens. The average reach for this popular race was an impressive 695,000.
US Grand Prix Commands Dominating Market Share
The US Grand Prix, brimming with excitement and anticipation, secured the top market share on November 24th, capturing a commanding 60 percent of the audience. Beyond that day, the US Grand Prix also achieved the highest market share of the entire season, with an astonishing 87 percent among the 12-29 year old demographic.
“Formula 1 Motorhome” Revs Up Engagement After the Races
Following the high-octane live races, the “Formula 1 Motorhome” post-race analysis program continued to captivate viewers, achieving an average reach of 224,000. This translated to an impressive 19 percent market share, with even higher engagement among younger audiences, reaching 23 percent for those aged 12-29 and 35 percent for those aged 15-29.
Streamed into the Fast Lane: Online Viewing Soars
The thrill of Formula 1 wasn’t confined to traditional television screens. ORF’s online streams also stormed ahead, attracting passionate fans nationwide.
According to online moving image measurements (AGTT/GfK TELETEST census), the live streams and video on demand from ORF’s TV broadcasts and programs, including the “Motorhome” magazine, have amassed a staggering 3.2 million net views across Austria, reflecting the real-time usage. Gross views, which capture all video starts, surpassed a remarkable 9.5 million, emphasizing the widespread reach. In total, viewers clocked a staggering 144 million minutes of Formula 1 action online.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held on March 9th, boasted the strongest live stream with an average reach of 52,300 viewers, highlighting the global appeal and excitement surrounding the race.
What were the peak viewership numbers for the British Grand Prix in Austria this season?
## Interview with Franz Bauer, ORF Sports Director
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Franz. Congratulations on the phenomenal success of Formula 1 viewership in Austria this season.
**Franz Bauer:** Thank you. It’s been truly remarkable to see the level of engagement from Austrian fans.
**Interviewer:** These numbers are astonishing. 4.777 million viewers tuned in throughout the season?
**Franz Bauer:** Absolutely. To have 63% of the domestic TV population aged 12 and over watching Formula 1 showcases the sport’s incredible popularity here.
**Interviewer:** And even though the championship was decided before the final race, a staggering 555,000 viewers still watched the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
**Franz Bauer:** Exactly. This underlines the passion Austrian fans have for Formula 1. They want to see the races, regardless of the championship standings.
**Interviewer:**
I see the British Grand Prix was a highlight, too, with 755,000 viewers at its peak.
**Franz Bauer:**
Indeed! The British Grand Prix always generates a lot of excitement, and this year was no exception.
**Interviewer:**
With such impressive numbers, what does this mean for the future of Formula 1 in Austria?
**Franz Bauer:**
This clearly demonstrates the strong foundation Formula 1 has here. We expect continued growth and engagement from viewers, solidifying Austria as a key market for the sport.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Franz.
**Franz Bauer:** My pleasure.
