Formula One Surpasses NBA and NFL in Recent Survey

Formula One has become more accessible since Liberty Media took over the sport in 2017. The F1 owners have worked towards building a more friendly, commercial, and global sport from a very niche and Europe-centric one under Bernie Ecclestone.

Liberty Media has targeted big countries such as Russia, the USA, and China to gain more fans. They have made several changes to the sport, making it more accessible to the fans. This has also helped in bringing in new fans of the sport.

The average age of a Formula 1 fan has dropped from 36 years old in 2017 to just 32 years old today.

That’s better than the MLB (57), NFL (50), NHL (49), and NBA (42).

The digital-first approach being deployed by Liberty Media continues to produce impressive results.

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 22, 2021

According to a recent fan survey by Nielsen Sports, the average age of an F1 fan has dropped from 36 years old to 32 years old since 2017. The stat also reflects that F1 has a younger fan base than MLS, NBA, NHL, and NFL.

This is all possible because of the efforts of Liberty Media and the push for a digital-first approach. The new owners recognized the power of social media and the internet and used it to make the sport more popular in the superpower nations.

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We are extremely pleased with what we have heard: Formula One CEO

As reported by Sky Sports, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali mentioned he is happy with the results shown in the Nielsen fan survey. He also highlighted that the views of the F1 fans are very important to him.

“Their views are very valuable to all of us, and we are extremely pleased for what we have heard. We take that very seriously.” said Domenicali.

MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 01: Former Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali talks in the Ferrari garage during final practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“One very important element for us is it shows that today Formula 1 is the most followed platform internationally, and this is really great. This is something that shows who we are and the things that we need to do in order to progress with this growth that we are living today.

It’s clear that we are reaching new fans and people that are also coming to the sport with a different vision. ” said the F1 CEO.

The survey also showed that F1 fans have really connected with the younger generation of drivers. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris came out as the Top-2 most popular drivers on the grid right now.

The sport has successfully transitioned from being closed and Europe-centric to young, vibrant, and international under the new owners.

READ MORE: Why are F1 cars so expensive?

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