Formula 1’s 2026 global boom: Why the critics in Europe are wrong about falling interest. Despite local skepticism in Europe, Formula 1 is seeing a massive surge in TV ratings and track attendance.

F1 2026 product appeal grows as global TV audiences rise despite European criticism

The 2026 Formula 1 season has begun under the sign of clear and growing interest from the public, both on television and at the circuit gates. Data from the first three races of the season – Australia, China and Japan – show a positive trend that contrasts with isolated reports of declines in specific markets.

TV audience figures, aggregated across more than 10 major markets and calculated by combining race and qualifying sessions, show significant increases compared to 2025.

In Australia, viewership grew by over 23%. In China, the increase exceeds 30%, while in Japan it stands at around 20%. These numbers suggest that audiences are appreciating the spectacle offered by the new technical regulations, with the new and debated power units, significant aerodynamic changes, and battery management that has introduced new race strategies.

Record attendance at circuits

Live attendance has also shown significant progress, despite the fact that most tickets for 2026 were sold during 2025, before the full details of the new regulations were even known:

In Australia, at Albert Park in Melbourne, the weekend recorded nearly 484,000 total spectators, a new all-time record for the event and an increase of almost 4% compared to the previous year.

In China, at the Shanghai circuit, attendance reached around 230,000 spectators over the weekend, marking the highest figure in the last 20 years and an increase of almost 4.5%.

In Japan, at Suzuka, the increase was even more significant, exceeding 18%.

These attendance figures confirm that enthusiasm for Formula 1 remains strong in Asian and Oceanian markets, with positive word-of-mouth after the opening races encouraging many fans to attend in person.

The context of the new regulations

The 2026 season has introduced heavily revised cars: more sustainable power units, simplified aerodynamics in certain areas, and a greater role for electrical energy. After three rounds, the championship has seen a dominant Mercedes performance but with competitive battles behind, Ferrari fighting at the front, and the emergence of young talents. These elements appear to have captured audience attention, with television viewership responding positively and increasing overall.

However, it should be noted that while aggregated data across major markets is positive, some European countries (such as Spain on DAZN for the Japanese Grand Prix) have shown local declines, often linked to home driver performance or specific broadcaster-related factors. The overall picture, however, tells a different and more encouraging story than what has been suggested in parts of European social media in recent weeks, with some claims – such as an audience drop in Austria – lacking solid data, despite the country having just over 9 million inhabitants.

A positive signal for the future

Overall, the first three races of 2026 have provided a positive outlook for Liberty Media and the entire paddock. Television growth shows that the on-track product is appealing, while increases in live attendance – even if partially influenced by early ticket sales – confirm that Formula 1 continues to be an event capable of filling grandstands and attracting new fans.

It will be interesting to follow the evolution through the upcoming European rounds to see whether this early momentum will consolidate globally. For now, however, the numbers from the first three events of the calendar are clear: the 2026 Formula 1 season has started on the right foot.