Formula 1 fanbase grows 12%, China leads increase

Formula 1 is experiencing significant growth, with its global fan base now reaching 826.5 million. This is a 12 percent increase compared to last year, according to new data from Nielsen Sports. A large part of this growth comes from China, where the number of fans increased by 39 percent in the past year. The return of Formula 1 to Shanghai, after a break due to Covid-19, played a big role in this rise. The Chinese Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend, although there is currently no Chinese driver in the race. Zhou Guanyu, the last Chinese driver, is now a reserve for Ferrari after losing his seat at Sauber. Meanwhile, the United States is another important market for Formula 1, with a 10.5 percent increase in fans. Countries like Canada, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia also reported strong growth in their Formula 1 audiences. Argentina's increase of 25.5 percent is linked to Franco Colapinto's entry into the sport. He became the first Argentine driver in over twenty years after taking Logan Sargeant's place at Williams. Overall, the sport's popularity is rising worldwide.