F1 ratings show upward trend in German market

Things could be looking up in formula one, mere days after urgent calls were being made to end a 'crisis'. Indeed, the sport is now entering an unplanned three-week gap between Silverstone and Hungary, because the flagging F1 market in Germany meant that country's race was axed for the first time in decades.

The recent trend in Germany has been for poor attendances and a rapidly-declining television audience. But suddenly, things are looking up. It emerges that 5.33 million viewers tuned into terrestrial broadcaster RTL's coverage of the British grand prix -- almost half a million more than in 2014.

And German media reports said the recent races in Canada and Austria were also showing an upward ratings trend. Mercedes' Nico Rosberg said in his latest column for Bild newspaper: "Despite all the criticism of formula one, I think it is still the best and most watched motor sport in the world."

And F1 legend Niki Lauda, who is also the Mercedes team chairman, said it is time the German team stopped being blamed for the apparently "boring" sport. "I can no longer hear these stupid discussions," he exclaimed. "The others should make their cars faster rather than complain. How is it Mercedes' fault when those at Ferrari throw around spaghetti rather than improving their car on the track?" the outspoken Austrian added bluntly. (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country DE
  • Date of b. Jun 27 1985 (40)
  • Place of b. Wiesbaden, DE
  • Weight 71 kg
  • Length 1.78 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar