September 24th 2025

ESPN sets new U.S. viewership record for Azerbaijan GP

ESPN's live telecast of Sunday’s Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix averaged 1.1 million viewers, the largest audience ever for the event on U.S. television (per Nielsen Big Date + Panel). The race began shortly after 7 a.m. ET.

The audience was up from the race’s previous record of 970,000 set in 2021. Last year’s race, which was the first time the race was run in September after having previously been held earlier in the season, averaged 865,000 viewers.

The race also averaged 420,000 viewers in the 18-49 age demographic.

Of the 17 F1 races held so far this season, all but one (Miami) have seen year-over-year viewership increases and 11 of the 17 (Australia, China, Monaco, Spain, Canada, Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy, Azerbaijan) scored event record audiences.

Across ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, F1 races are averaging 1.4 million viewers, ahead of the all-time U.S. television record average of 1.21 million that was set in 2022.

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