Viewership drop in France and Spain contrasts with Italy’s rise
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka has highlighted a worrying trend in European Formula 1 viewership. While Italy continues to see rising interest, largely driven by the impressive performances of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and a competitive Ferrari team, France and Spain are experiencing a dramatic decline in TV audiences, prompting concern among F1 stakeholders.
France and Spain experience the steepest declines
In France, broadcaster Canal+ reported only 404,000 viewers for the Suzuka race, a 43% drop compared to 705,000 viewers during the 2025 edition. Historically a strong F1 market, the sharp reduction in French viewership signals a growing disconnect between fans and the current season. Spain presents an even more alarming scenario: DAZN recorded just 63,000 viewers, down from 124,000 the previous year, representing a near 50% decline. These numbers underscore a significant challenge for the sport’s popularity in Southern Europe.
Underlying causes of declining interest
Several factors appear to have contributed to this downward trend. In Spain, local interest has suffered due to the underperformance of key drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, both piloting cars that have struggled to compete at the front. Additionally, the lackluster campaigns of Aston Martin and Williams have reduced fan engagement, as there are fewer compelling storylines or top contenders to follow. In France, the decline seems tied to general dissatisfaction with the 2026 championship season, as well as the absence of a strong French driver challenging for wins, which has traditionally been a driver of national interest.
Liberty Media under pressure to respond
The drop in European viewership has not gone unnoticed by Liberty Media. Industry insiders suggest that the Suzuka ratings could influence strategic decisions regarding the promotion of Formula 1 in France and Spain. Executives are reportedly evaluating measures to make races more exciting and engaging, addressing competitive balance, race formats, and storytelling to recapture fan attention. These topics are expected to feature prominently at the upcoming April 9 meeting in London, where Liberty Media will discuss potential regulatory and sporting changes aimed at boosting global F1 interest.
Implications for the sport
While Italy’s audience benefits from Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rise and Ferrari’s resurgence, the contrasting trends in France and Spain highlight a broader European challenge. Maintaining strong viewership across all major markets is crucial for Formula 1’s commercial growth, sponsorship appeal, and long-term viability. If Liberty Media fails to respond effectively, the decline in key regions could have lasting consequences for the sport’s European fan base.
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