Fans have expressed strong reactions to the decline in viewership of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Formula 1 (F1) race is widely considered the premier category of motorsport worldwide. In recent years, the sport has gained popularity, but due to Red Bull’s continued dominance, it has suffered a setback.
During the inaugural 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, F1 attracted 1.318 million viewers from the United States. However, this year’s event saw a significant drop, with viewership plummeting to 1.122 million. This statistic has sparked global discussions on whether F1 is still the top motor sport.
Fans did not hesitate to express their opinions on the situation. Some even turned to alternative races, such as WEC, which they found more enjoyable. Others criticized the races dominated by Verstappen, expressing their dissatisfaction with a single driver winning most races in a season. Comparisons were also made with NASCAR, with some claiming it surpasses F1.
These strong reactions from fans highlight their frustration with the current state of F1. Many are tired of seeing Max Verstappen dominate races and make them one-sided. Some even argued that NASCAR is doing better in comparison.
While fans mock F1 for its current state, much of their criticism is directed at Max Verstappen’s success with Red Bull. During the 2023 F1 season, Verstappen won an impressive 19 races. He continued his domination in the 2024 season, winning the race at the Bahrain International Circuit with a huge 22-second lead over the second-place finisher.
Verstappen’s dominance undoubtedly benefited Red Bull, but it came at the expense of F1’s viewership. It is crucial for the sport’s future that other teams improve their performance starting from the next Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.