F1 TV Audiences Fall Sharply in France and Spain After Japanese Grand Prix
Formula 1 is experiencing a decline in television ratings across specific European territories following the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Broadcasters in France and Spain have reported the most alarming audience slumps compared to the previous season.
The viewing figures from Suzuka paint a grim picture for two of the sport’s traditional strongholds. In France viewership on Canal+ collapsed by approximately 43%. The 2026 race drew just 404,000 viewers compared to 705,000 during the prior year.
The massive drop in Spanish viewership is heavily linked to the current on-track struggles of local heroes Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Both veterans are battling uncompetitive machinery this year. Deeply frustrating seasons for both Aston Martin and Williams have severely dampened fan enthusiasm and driven audiences away.
In France, the ratings slump is viewed as indicative of a wider public dissatisfaction with the entertainment value of the 2026 season as a whole. In Spain the DAZN network suffered a drastic 49% decrease in its audience. Ratings plummeted from 124,000 viewers in 2025 to a mere 63,000 in 2026.
According to some social media posts, Germany and Austria have lost somewhere between 20% to 40% of their vieweship.
Conversely, the Italian market is entirely bucking this downward trend. F1 viewership continues to expand in Italy thanks to a potent combination of rising homegrown star Andrea Kimi Antonelli and a highly competitive Ferrari outfit keeping local fans engaged.
This downward trajectory in key markets is a major cause for concern for Liberty Media as they closely monitor global engagement levels.
Consequently, the dismal Suzuka viewing figures will be a primary focal point during an upcoming summit in London on April 9. F1 stakeholders and executives are expected to use this meeting to debate potential structural changes designed to enhance the racing spectacle and win back disillusioned fans.
