By Nina Atimah
- Traditionally male-dominated sports is edging toward equitable viewership with women now comprising 41% of its total fan base
- Formula One has been doing well and reported a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue in 2024
Formula 1 has traditionally been a male-dominated sport—whether it’s in the driver’s seat or in the stands. But today, that narrative is changing. Formula 1 is seeing a massive surge in viewership, with women playing a key role in the sport’s transformation. In 2025, F1 boasts a fanbase of 750 million worldwide, and women now represent 41% of that total. A significant portion of this growth is attributed to women aged 18-24 who are diving into the sport as well as the F1 community.
Why This Matters: Women are no longer just casual viewers—they’re now an integral part of F1’s fanbase. This change is driven by Formula 1’s dedicated efforts to reach a broader audience through focused campaigns and initiatives that prioritize inclusivity. F1 is reshaping the way the sport is consumed, making it more accessible and relatable to a wider demographic. This is long overdue.
Netflix’s Drive to Survive has been a major factor in this shift, introducing the sport to a new generation. Female viewership has increased by 34% in just one year. F1’s streaming subscribership has also surged by 40%, reflecting the growing interest and engagement across all demographics. The sport’s expansion into the Middle East is also fueling growth, with a 15% year-on-year revenue increase in 2024.
What’s Next: As Formula 1 accelerates into the future, the role of women in motorsport is set to expand even further. The sport is gaining ground in new regions and attracting a new generation of fans—making it more diverse, inclusive, and exciting than ever before. Next up? Golf!
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