The 2026 Formula 1® season has marked a notable phase of growth and sustainability, with key statistics highlighting the sport’s expanding global reach and environmental efforts. From record-breaking attendance figures to rising TV audiences and strengthened race agreements, the season up to the summer break reflects significant milestones for the championship.
All 11 rounds held between March and July have been sold out, attracting nearly 3.7 million spectators—an increase of 6% compared to 2025. Several circuits set new attendance records, including Australia with 484,000 fans, Canada at 360,000, Austria reaching 320,000, Silverstone drawing 564,000, and Belgium hosting 400,000 attendees. These numbers underscore the sport’s growing appeal across diverse venues.
Alongside the surge in on-site attendance, television viewership has also expanded notably in key markets. Brazil experienced up to a fivefold increase in audiences year-on-year, with the British Grand Prix drawing 18 million viewers, the highest since 2015. Italy saw a 27% rise in viewers for the British GP, while China doubled its audience for the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. The Monaco Grand Prix attracted nearly 80 million global viewers, marking a double-digit increase from 2025. Formula 1® has further broadened its broadcast reach through partnerships with Apple and a simulcast with Netflix during the Canadian GP, engaging younger and more diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, the championship has secured new and extended race agreements that will shape the calendar beyond 2026. Istanbul Park in Turkey has signed a five-year deal starting in 2027, while the Las Vegas Grand Prix has extended its contract through 2037. Barcelona and Spa will alternate hosting duties over multiple years, and Portugal’s Portimão circuit is set to return in 2027 and 2028. These arrangements reflect Formula 1®’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and global race schedule.
Social media engagement continues to grow, with followers increasing by 19% to over 125 million and video views rising 54%, largely driven by TikTok content. Fans have consumed approximately seven million hours of video through F1.com and the official Formula 1® app. The global fan base now exceeds 830 million, a 64% increase since 2018, with 42% identifying as female and 43% under 35 years old, highlighting the sport’s expanding demographic reach.
The 2026 Formula 1® Sim Racing World Championship has also seen growth, featuring nine teams competing across 12 rounds. Live viewership increased by 72% to nearly 13 million, with Otis Lawrence becoming the youngest Sim Racing World Champion to date. This growth in esports complements the traditional racing series and engages a new segment of fans.
On the sustainability front, Formula 1® is progressing towards its Net Zero 2030 target. Since 2018, the sport has reduced its carbon footprint by 35%, including a 64% decrease in factory emissions and a 29% reduction in logistics emissions. These efforts underline the championship’s commitment to environmental responsibility alongside its sporting ambitions.
Overall, the 2026 season to date demonstrates Formula 1®’s expanding global presence, increasing fan engagement, and advancing sustainability initiatives, reflecting a broad and evolving landscape within the sport.
