Formula 1 Remains Popular in France Despite Missing Grand Prix

Since July 2022 and the last Grand Prix at Le Castellet, Formula 1 has had no French race on its calendar. This absence weighs on French motorsport enthusiasts, especially given that three French drivers compete in the world championship.

Yet the sport continues to draw broad appeal. According to a recent Ipsos survey, 54% of the general population and up to 81% of F1 fans want to see a Grand Prix return to French soil. This desire is particularly strong among young adults (18-34 years old), of whom 69% aspire to a national race. Nearly 7 out of 10 passionate fans view this absence as a genuine regret.

Youth-Driven Momentum

Formula 1 benefits from sustained audience growth, particularly among younger viewers. Thus, 62% of 18-34 year-olds have watched a Grand Prix. Among regular spectators, nearly 80% watched at least one race in the past twelve months, while 19% are dedicated fans with more than five races viewed annually.

Visibility increases through several channels:

• Live race broadcasts (44%)
• Word-of-mouth and peer influence (38%)
• Social media (18%)
• The F1 film released in 2025 (15%)
• The Netflix series Drive to Survive, which helped rejuvenate the sport's image

Television remains the dominant medium at 59% for watching races.

Ferrari and Hamilton Lead the Pack

Among teams, Ferrari stands out clearly as the favorite, capturing 24% of votes across the general population and 31% among F1 fans. For drivers, Lewis Hamilton dominates, supported by 26% of French respondents (34% among dedicated fans).

One striking finding: a third of French people (33%) say they cannot name any F1 driver, highlighting enormous room for audience growth in France.

This sustained enthusiasm demonstrates that a French Grand Prix return would not simply be a nostalgic gesture, but a genuine response to real and growing demand from motorsport fans across the country.

Source: caradisiac