F1 Enjoying Surge Of Support In Middle East Nielsen Data

Formula One is enjoying a surge of support in the Middle East with younger female fans the fastest growing demographic globally, according to data published by Nielsen Sports on Tuesday.

The Gulf region has four races, one more than the United States, in a season that ends this weekend at Abu Dhabis Yas Marina with McLaren and Ferrari fighting for the constructors title.

The figures showed female interest increasing by 11 compared to last year in Saudi Arabia, and 10 among men, with the biggest growth in the 50 - 69-year age bracket.

Jeddah hosted a race for the first time in 2021 and Saudi energy giant Aramco sponsors Aston Martin as well as the sport as a whole.

New sponsor categories are opening up. We're seeing a significant shift in the brands engaging in the sport attracted to this changing fan demographic, said Nielsen Sports global general manager Jon Stainer.