The 2025 Monaco GP delivered record-breaking US TV viewing figures, reinforcing Formula 1’s remarkable momentum in one of its fastest-growing markets. Despite a processional race on track, American fans turned up in unprecedented numbers, as 2.3 million viewers watched the event live across ABC and ESPN.
This marks the highest U.S. live audience in Monaco GP history, a notable 15% rise from last year’s 2 million. Even more impressively, the broadcast peaked at 2.6 million viewers between 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. ET, placing it behind only the Miami Grand Prix’s peak performances.
A significant 917,000 of those viewers came from the 18–49 age demographic, showcasing the sport’s growing hold on younger audiences.
On average, F1 races in 2025 are pulling in 1.3 million viewers per event on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2—an 18% jump from the 1.1 million average in 2023 and 2024. These numbers reflect a broader cultural shift, driven not just by thrilling racing but also by strategic entertainment crossovers.
Netflix and Brad Pitt film propel F1 into US mainstream
Central to F1’s American boom is the hit docuseries Drive to Survive, which first aired on Netflix in 2019. Offering behind-the-scenes drama and driver rivalries, the series helped simplify and humanize the sport for casual fans. According to a Morning Consult survey, over half of new U.S. fans credited the series as their reason for becoming regular viewers.
That trend is now being amplified by the upcoming Hollywood movie “F1”, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt. Filmed during actual race weekends and integrated with the F1 paddock, the movie is already receiving widespread buzz, including expanded IMAX screenings.
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Now, a once niche sport is mainstream cultural property. Attendance at races has surged, and the audience has diversified—female fans now make up 41% of F1’s fanbase, up from 20% before the show aired.
Beyond Netflix, F1’s U.S. strategy includes partnerships with brands like LEGO, Disney, and tech platforms, blending racing with lifestyle and youth culture. The trend has been dubbed the “Netflix effect,” and its success has inspired other sports to follow suit, including tennis (Break Point), golf (Full Swing), and athletics (Sprint), though none have matched the F1 show’s global impact.
As the sport prepares for even more growth through its 2026 regulations and continued expansion in the U.S., it’s clear that Formula 1 has found its voice through streaming, cinema, and storytelling. The record U.S. viewership for the Monaco GP is not just a TV statistic—it’s a signal that Formula 1 has finally conquered the American market.
How many viewers watched the 2025 Monaco GP in the US?
The Monaco GP 2025 drew 2.3 million live viewers in the US, setting a new record for the event on ABC and ESPN.
What is driving Formula 1’s popularity in the United States?
The Netflix series Drive to Survive and the upcoming Brad Pitt-led F1 film have significantly boosted F1’s U.S. popularity and reach.
Why is Drive to Survive so influential in F1’s growth?
Drive to Survive offers behind-the-scenes drama and personal stories, making F1 more relatable and helping attract new fans globally.
