Although Formula 1 racing is the most popular motorsport in the world, it hasn’t caught on in some places. The United States is one of the countries in which the organization hasn’t gained traction with the masses. But in surveying the current landscape of the motorsports market, there’s some potential for change in that trend.
First of all, the increased popularity of services like Direct TV makes it easier for fans to gain access to Formula 1 races that aren’t featured on major American TV networks. Americans who have satellite TV service can get access to options like the Speed Channel and international networks that air racing action from abroad. Not only that, but the quality of television is significantly better these days, and watching races on TV is far more realistic and enjoyable than it was in the past.
Essentially, an improved opportunity for United States citizens to watch Formula 1 racing presents more opportunity for the motorsport’s popularity to grow in that market.
Secondly, NASCAR’s popularity has begun to decline in the United States. Since 2005, both NASCAR TV viewership and overall attendance have declined. Some point to the economic slowdown that started in 2008 as a reason, while others say that rule changes have taken the thrill out of the sport. Whatever the causes, a decline in NASCAR popularity presents an opportunity for another racing organization to fill that excitement void. F1 can step up to the challenge.
One other reason we could see a spike in F1 popularity in the U.S. is that for the first time since 2007, a Grand Prix race is taking place in the United States. F1 racing in the United States returns to the calendar in November, as the United States Grand Prix will take place in Austin, Texas. Combined with an increased reach thanks to premium TV networks and a reduction in NASCAR popularity and potential need to fill that void, F1 racing may catch on the United States. We’ll see how it plays out in the coming months.
