F1's Vegas Race Hits Viewership Jackpot on ESPN

The third Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix shattered its viewership records, pulling in an average of 1.5 million viewers for ESPN, a nearly 70% year-over-year jump. The ratings success comes as F1 concludes its partnership with ESPN before moving to Apple TV next season.

• A timely adjustment: The viewership spike is largely thanks to a strategic schedule change. After two years of late-night starts, organizers moved the race two hours earlier to 8 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET), creating a more accessible window for domestic fans. "We listened, we adjusted it," F1 chief commercial officer Emily Prazer said last month.

• Cracks in the pavement: The high ratings couldn't pave over all the cracks. For the second time in three years, a practice session was disrupted by a suspected loose manhole cover on the track, and the incident raised renewed questions about the circuit's infrastructure.

• Changing channels: The record audience gives F1 a strong finish for its partnership with ESPN, which concludes this year. Even as drivers voice concerns, F1 appears committed to its Vegas bet long-term; the current contract runs through 2027, and talks are reportedly underway to extend it to at least 2032.

Despite persistent infrastructure issues and driver complaints, the record-breaking viewership numbers prove the commercial appeal of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, reinforcing F1's long-term commitment to the city.

The move to Apple TV is a massive financial bet, with the deal reportedly worth $700 million over five years. While viewership was up, some drivers were highly critical, with Fernando Alonso calling the track's asphalt "not a Formula 1 standard" and unsafe. The off-track drama was matched by the on-track action, as the 2025 race was the first Las Vegas GP to feature a true championship battle, adding to the high stakes.