Introduction
Alright, let’s cut through the noise. The recent piece by Mike Pryson posted on Autoweek on the “decline” of Formula 1 in the U.S. is missing the mark by a country mile. The numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole story either. Let’s dissect this thing point by point and inject some much-needed context and nuance.
TV Ratings: Get With the Times
First off, the TV ratings. A 0.47 rating with 882,000 average viewership? Sounds dire, right? Wrong. These numbers include a 90-minute pre-race show. Strip that away, and you’re looking at an average of 1.17 million viewers during the race window.
Counterpoint: Ever Heard of Streaming?
Who watches live TV anymore? The piece conveniently ignores the seismic shift towards streaming. F1 TV Pro and other platforms are where the action’s at, especially for younger fans who want more than just a static broadcast.
Counterpoint: It’s a Big World Out There
Formula 1 isn’t the NFL; it’s a global sport. U.S. ratings are a drop in the bucket. The sport’s international viewership is robust, and that’s where the real story is.
Attendance: A Non-Issue
A drop from 440,000 to 432,000 attendees? That’s a rounding error. Let’s not forget that this year also featured a Saturday sprint race, adding another layer of complexity and value to the weekend.
Counterpoint: It’s About the Experience, Stupid
You can’t capture the electrifying atmosphere of a Formula 1 race on TV. The roar of the engines, the speed—there’s nothing like it. Those who attend know what I’m talking about.
Competition: Look Beyond the Podium
The original piece whines about a lack of competition, citing Verstappen’s dominance. But what about the drama behind him? The midfield battles, the strategy calls, the rivalries—there’s more to F1 than who takes the top step.
Counterpoint: The Drama is Real
Verstappen may have clinched early, but the season was chock-full of storylines and controversies. You’re not paying attention if you think F1 is just about the winner.
Conclusion: Stop the Hand-Wringing
The narrative that F1 is declining in the U.S. is lazy journalism. The sport is evolving, embracing new technologies and formats like Saturday sprint races and interactive streaming.
So, let’s stop with the doom and gloom. Formula 1 in the U.S. isn’t fading away; it’s just getting started.
About the Author
🚗💨 I’m the NASCAR Guy: your go-to for a blend of numbers, humor, and pure, unadulterated NASCAR devotion. Ever catch me racing? Nope! My expertise is on the keyboard, not the clutch 🏎️💻. Fun fact: my pit stop breakdowns could give Sherlock a run for his money 🕵️♂️📖. Hungry for NASCAR tidbits or a hearty laugh? Welcome to your oasis! 🛑 But as for racing me? I’ll stick to making tracks online! 🔥📜😆
Sources
- Sports Media Watch: TV Ratings Report
- Autoweek: ABC/ESPN Spokesman Statement
- F1 TV Pro: Streaming Service Details
- Global Formula 1 Viewership Statistics