Formula 1(F1) is the most prestigious form of international motor-sport racing. With 20 drivers, and 10 teams, F1 races in 24 races over 20 countries, and three continents. Since the first race in 1950, F1 has had drivers from 41 countries. Historically, the sport has been almost religiously followed by those in Europe, Asia and South America.

In 2019, Netflix came out with a new docu-series: “Drive to Survive”. This ongoing show covers and dramatizes each Formula One season. While Formula One is a global motor-sport, America seems like the only country behind in terms of viewership and fanfare. However 2022 TikTok and “Drive to Survive” seemed to popularize Formula 1 for the states.
As the popularity expanded, F1 adapted by adding more races in the states. Three years ago, there was only one race in the U.S. (held in Texas). But recently, due to the rising popularity of the sport in America, F1 has begun a push to globalize the sport further and gain greater American audiences. The FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), the governing body of F1, added a Miami race and a Las Vegas race in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

According to an NBC article that spoke on the effects “Drive To Survive” has had on American fans, 28% of American adults consider themselves to be F1 fans, and over half of them credit their fandom to “Drive to Survive”. Accordingly, this means that F1 races should average 71 million views from America, however most races average 1.1 million American viewers. One important thing to note is that due to time zones, many of these races are on very early in the morning for Americans, making it difficult to watch for some.

With ticket prices able to span up to $20,000 individually, and races generally being in one country per year, F1 races are not easily accessible events.

It’s no secret that Formula 1 is one of the most wealthy sports in the world. F1 generates around $3 billion as a sport yearly. Teams have a $140 million incentive to win the championship each year and the highest-paid driver in 2023, made a total of $70 million in one year. To compare, Patrick Mahomes (who is a part owner of F1 team Alpine) makes $52.7 million annually.

Although it wasn’t always in the spotlight, F1 culture has always been entwined with American culture. Driver Lewis Hamilton allegedly dated Nicki Minaj, Shakira and had a serious relationship with Nicole Scherzinger. Tom Cruise, Travis Scott, Noah Kahan, Donald Trump, Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber, Tom Brady and Gigi Hadid are a few of the celebrities who have attended F1 races or had friendships with drivers.

Brad Pitt has even been seen in the paddocks but for an unlikely reason. He is starring in and producing a Formula One movie called “F1” set in the present day. Meaning, he can often be seen interacting with teams and even giving fans fake merchandise. Many die-hard fans of Formula One feel that Pitt’s presence at races, including driving on the track, standing with drivers during the national anthem and other driver duties and having film cameras and sets at races are a distraction from the actual sport for fans and teams alike, and Pitt is abusing his power as a producer to interfere with or be apart of race weekends. Nevertheless, the movie is set to release on Jun. 27, 2025.