A new qualifying format, expanded calendar and key partnerships with traditional and digital media supportedFormula Eto record high ratings for Season 8.
New features in the E-Pole allowed the 22 drivers to compete in two groups, with the top four advancing to a knockout duel tournament. In that sense, the cumulative audience of the standings increased by 49% compared to the traditional fast lap format of Season 7.
The schedule, with 16 races in 10 cities around the world, paid off with a return to Asia and a debut in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a double-header in Seoul, South Korea, to close Season 8. The Jakarta race in June, was Formula E’s first on the continent since 2019 and was the most-watched race in the championship’s 100-race history with viewership of 27.6 million in Indonesia.
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Live Tracking
Other data provided by Formula E revealed that live viewership made up the largest Formula E audience for the first time in Season 7 and that trend continued into Season 8.
These figures represented a 10 percent year-on-year increase in live audiences to 216 million, part of a 20 percent growth in cumulative total audience to 381 million.
The combination of greater consistency in programming and improved coverage of more competitive races contributed to a significant increase in audience participation.
Total viewing hours for Season 8 races were up 58% compared to Season 7 and the championship enjoyed a 28% year-over-year increase in average viewing duration per live race.
Network Virality
With respect to digital, Formula E channels saw significant gains in video views (+165% versus Season 7) and interactions (up 49%) as a revamped social media content strategy came into effect.
On these figures, Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, noted that the tournament is building a passionate fan base globally, establishing itself as a fixture for this premium live sport.
“Millions of fans tuned in more than ever last season thanks to consistent programming, enhanced broadcasts and sporting innovations like our game-changing qualifying format. The championship went all the way to the end in Seoul with four drivers competing for the title and Stoffel Vandoorne emerging as World Champion,” he added.
Reigle thanked the global network of committed broadcast partners for their contribution to deliver an unprecedented Season 8. “We will work together to build on our momentum and reinforce the emergence of Formula E as a mainstream sport for the next generation,” he said.
