ESPN closed the final season of its coverage of Formula 1 in the United States with an all-time viewership record.

The broadcaster has revealed that it experienced an average of 1.3 million viewers across ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC for each race in 2025.

The 2025 season featured a tense intra-team battle between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. A late surge from Red Bull's Max Verstappen added to the excitement at the end of the season, with the drivers' championship coming down to the wire at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While the Red Bull driver took the final victory of the year, Norris's third-place finish at the Yas Marina Circuit was enough to clinch his first drivers' title.

For ESPN, the tense season finale in Abu Dhabi brought in an average of 1.5 million viewers, peaking at 1.8 million, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel data.

Average ESPN race viewership per F1 season

2018 – 554,000
2019 – 672,000
2020 – 608,000
2021 – 948,000
2022 – 1.21 million
2023 – 1.1 million
2024 – 1.1 million
2025 – 1.3 million

It was announced in October 2025 that F1 had signed a new US broadcasting rights deal, which would see the coverage move in the United States to Apple TV from 2026.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

The Disney-owned broadcaster had held the broadcasting rights to F1 in the US since 2018 and also had a stint of broadcasting the championship from 1984 to 1997.

"We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season. We wish F1 well in the future," a statement from ESPN read at the time.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: "I think that our duty is to look into the future and try to make sure that F1 can have the right platform of developing our growth. And therefore I really want to thank ESPN for what they did today together, because they invested in us when no one was really ready to invest in us many, many years ago."

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Honda's 2026 Formula 1 engine is almost here, but before we slip into our Christmas food comas, the Japanese manufacturer has offered the first hint at what next year's power unit will sound like. 

An audio clip, posted by Honda and shared by Aston Martin on social media, has received huge praise after the sound of the 1.6-litre turbo V6 was recorded on a test stand. You can cleanly hear the honky bark of Honda's power unit as it rips through its rev range. On the downshift - lightning quick - burbles can be heard as the revs blip.

Within hours, the video received over 200,000 likes on the Aston Martin Formula 1 team's Instagram account, with it also collecting over 2000 comments. "Okayyyy Honda we hear you LOUD & CLEAR," one commenter posted as another added: "Best sounding engine since the V8 era."

Unfortunately, Honda and Aston Martin failed to give any more information on the build, but the sound was good enough to keep us all going for the time being.

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A post shared by Honda Racing F1 (@hondaracingf1)

From 2026, F1 will see a substantial change in the regulations. One of these changes sees powertrains increasing their reliance on electrical power, and many fans have been worried that this would result in a softened soundtrack on track. Fortunately, Honda's tease has partly put this worry to bed, with it suggesting that these new powertrains will have plenty of character when the time comes while also being more sustainable. 

With the 2025 season coming to an end, Honda will join Aston Martin, which will become a works team for the 2026 season. This comes after a long stint of success with Red Bull, with the pairing achieving four drivers' and two constructors' championships. Red Bull will instead bring Red Bull Powertrains, backed by Ford, into 2026.

As with everything in F1, Honda's time in the championship has been mixed overall, but its peaks have been incredible. It won its first grand prix in 1965 and saw success through the late 1980s and early 1990s with Williams and McLaren. 

The Red Bull Racing team celebrate and Thank Honda

Since then, Honda struggled when it powered McLaren in 2015, but its partnership with Red Bull was a prosperous one, with it powering all of Max Verstappen's championship wins. 

With Aston Martin now adopting what has been a very successful manufacturer, supporters of the team will be more than happy with what they're now seeing - and hearing. 

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A video of Lando Norris revealing that McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown had promised to purchase the Briton his dream car if he won a Formula 1 drivers' championship has resurfaced after his 2025 victory.

Norris secured his first drivers' championship victory in Abu Dhabi after finishing the race at the Yas Marina Circuit in third behind championship rivals Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

Since his win, footage has resurfaced which would indicate that if Brown keeps his side of the deal, he could owe Norris a Pagani Zonda.

The footage is a compilation of clips following on from a 2024 interview Norris did with The Telegraph. "I’ve got a deal with Zak – that if I win the championship he has to get me a car," he said at the time. "I’ve specified which car. We shook on it, but that’s all I’m saying. There’s a long way to go, it’s still a lot of points. But who knows?"

The video then cuts to an interview with Heart Radio, where he confirms that the car that he and Brown have made a deal on is his dream car since he was a child. "I can't say it! It's my dream car since I was a kid but it's not a McLaren," he explained.

In a later on-stage interview, the 26-year-old confirms his dream car is the Pagani Zonda. The sports car can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of pounds for a special edition.

If Norris does in fact receive a Zonda, it will be added to an already impressive car collection. Included in his garage are a Ferrari F40, a Porsche Carrera GT, a bespoke Land Rover Defender, a Liberty Walk R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, a McLaren 765LT Spider, a McLaren Senna and a Lamborghini Miura.

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Abu Dhabi, the dazzling jewel of the UAE, once again shone brightly as it hosted the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2025. This thrilling event saw an incredible 339,000 fans flocking to Yas Island, smashing attendance records and setting a new benchmark for the world’s most exciting motorsport event. The 2025 season finale became an iconic moment, showcasing high-speed racing, star-studded entertainment, and groundbreaking environmental initiatives.

Formula 1® Brings Fans Together in Abu Dhabi

The Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 was more than just a race; it was a spectacular fusion of motorsport and entertainment. With a combined attendance of 339,000 fans across multiple events, Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a global hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts.

The season finale provided an unforgettable spectacle, with a fierce three-way title battle featuring McLaren’s Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Verstappen clinched his victory, while Norris secured his first driver’s title, igniting the crowd with excitement. The Yas Marina Circuit, already famed for its scenic beauty and exceptional facilities, saw 203,000 spectators on race day, a nearly 6% increase from 2024’s attendance.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a must-visit destination for motorsport lovers and thrill-seekers. But the appeal doesn’t stop at the track.

Highlights of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Experience:

• Record-Breaking Fan Attendance: A massive 339,000 fans gathered over race week, setting a new record.
• Epic After-Race Concerts: The Yasalam festival brought in 136,000 fans across four nights of star-studded performances, including global icons like Metallica, Katy Perry, and Post Malone.
• Exclusive Paddock Access: Celebrities and VIPs, such as actress Ana de Armas and sports legends like Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho, rubbed shoulders with racing enthusiasts.
• Innovative Fan Experience: The event featured new hospitality concepts, activations, and ticket inclusions, offering fans a truly immersive experience.

Abu Dhabi’s Role in Sustainable Motorsport

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi is proving its commitment to environmental sustainability. The 2025 event saw the use of temporary solar power across the track, including at key turns, with sections fully powered by clean energy. The event’s temporary generators operated using 100% biofuel blends, significantly reducing emissions. Additionally, a partnership with UAE-based Ma-Hawa produced over 260,000 litres of water through air-to-water technology, eliminating the need for over 520,000 plastic bottles throughout the weekend.

Abu Dhabi’s efforts to balance the thrills of F1 racing with environmental responsibility set a new standard in the industry, making the Grand Prix not only an exhilarating event but a leader in sustainable practices.

Entertainment Beyond the Race: Yas Island Takes Centre Stage

The entertainment offered by the Yasalam festival elevated the entire Grand Prix experience. The four nights of after-race concerts were a major highlight, drawing in fans for a post-race celebration like no other. Each night featured world-renowned artists performing for an enthusiastic crowd, offering a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music that kept the party going well into the night.

• Concert Highlights:
  • Benson Boone: His performance on Thursday night marked the biggest in the event’s history, making it more than just a warm-up.
  • Post Malone & Metallica: These iconic artists thrilled the crowd with electric performances.
  • Katy Perry: A dazzling show to wrap up the festival.

The performances were complemented by exclusive after-parties headlined by Idris Elba, Calvin Harris, and Keinemusik, turning Yas Island into a party paradise.

The Ultimate Grand Prix Destination

Abu Dhabi is not just about the race. It’s a destination that attracts global attention year after year. With its luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, and cutting-edge entertainment venues, Abu Dhabi has earned its place as the ultimate Formula 1 finale destination. Whether you’re looking for a high-speed race experience or a relaxing getaway in a city that blends modern sophistication with traditional Arabian charm, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone.

Where to Stay and Explore

• Yas Marina Circuit: For fans who want to immerse themselves fully in the F1 experience, staying at one of the nearby hotels offers easy access to the action. The Yas Hotel, which sits directly above the track, provides stunning views and luxury accommodation.
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: A must-visit for families and thrill-seekers, this indoor theme park brings you close to the adrenaline of motorsports, with rides like the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Take a break from the racing action and explore the impressive collection of art and exhibits at the Louvre, located in the heart of the city.
• Saadiyat Island: Known for its stunning beaches and top-tier resorts, this destination is perfect for those looking to unwind after the excitement of the Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi’s Global Appeal: An Event for Everyone

The Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to attract fans from around the world, cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as the go-to destination for motorsport enthusiasts. The event is a perfect blend of high-speed action, world-class entertainment, and luxurious hospitality, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:

• Attendance Record: 339,000 fans over the course of the race week.
• Star-Studded Performances: Featuring artists like Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry.
• Sustainability Efforts: Significant use of solar power and biofuels.
• Luxury Experiences: From exclusive hospitality options to VIP paddock access.
• Exciting Attractions: Yas Island, Ferrari World, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Saadiyat Island.

Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1® Etihad Airways Grand Prix continues to evolve each year, making it the ultimate motorsport event to attend. Whether you’re racing to the finish line or enjoying world-class entertainment, Abu Dhabi is the place to be for those seeking excitement, luxury, and a touch of Arabian glamour.

Helmut Marko has revealed the reasons why he’s leaving Red Bull’s Formula 1 project at the end of the year, citing Max Verstappen’s 2025 title loss as a major factor.

Marko is ending a 25-year stint as one of Red Bull’s bosses in motorsport, having led its Junior Team since 2001 and acted as an advisor for the brand’s F1 squads since 2005. The Austrian played a key role in the rise of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and helped Red Bull secure Verstappen’s services when the Dutch youngster was in Formula 3.

A common assumption was that Marko was squeezed out because of his uncontrolled speech in the media, which was sometimes at odds with Red Bull’s PR discourse and came under fire when the 82-year-old unwittingly contributed to a wave of abuse against Mercedes teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli following this year’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Why Helmut Marko isn't the sole culprit in the Kimi Antonelli abuse storm

However, Marko confirmed to Austrian broadcaster ORF that leaving his current role was his own idea, after a tough 2025 season ended in disappointment as dark horse Verstappen narrowly lost the title to McLaren’s Lando Norris.

“We had a difficult season this year,” Marko explained. “It was particularly bumpy in the middle. We were 104 points behind in Holland. Then we started a comeback that was certainly unique. But unfortunately, it didn't work out in the last race. We lost the championship by two points.

“Although this comeback was unique, it was still a very bitter disappointment. It hit us particularly hard. Even after the race, I felt that something had been lost.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing

“I then stayed in Dubai on Monday. That's when I made my decision. Even if we had won, it would have been a good reason to leave this job. But now, in hindsight, because we lost, it's also a good point.”

Marko added that F1’s new chassis and power unit regulations for 2026 meant this was perfect timing for him to bow out, though the former driver wasn’t involved in designing Red Bull’s F1 cars.

Marko also quashed rumours that head of race engineering Gianpiero Lambiase, who also acts as Verstappen’s race engineer, might be leaving too.

Asked whether he discussed his potential exit with Verstappen, whom he is very close to, Marko clarified: “I didn't discuss it with anyone, but called Oliver Mintzlaff, the manager responsible at Red Bull, in Dubai and asked if we could meet briefly. A kind of championship dinner was planned. And we met before the dinner.

“I told him what I wanted. We discussed for a while whether a partial solution was still possible. I said that if we were going to do it, we had to do it completely.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Managing director of Red Bull GmbH

“That happened ad hoc. The other shareholder from the Thai family was also present. But it was all very amicable and went very well.

“Max should have been there too. There were some problems with his flight, so he wasn't there.

“I called him the next day. It wasn't a normal conversation. There was a certain melancholy in the air. He said he never could have imagined that he would ever achieve such success.”

What’s really behind Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit, and what does it mean for Max Verstappen?

Red Bull bought the Jaguar and Minardi outfits, neither of which ever won a grand prix, ahead of the 2005 and 2006 seasons respectively. The Milton Keynes-based team went on to claim 14 world titles – eight drivers’ and six constructors’ – and a whopping 130 victories in 418 grands prix, more than any other team; Mercedes is on 122 since its return in 2010. The Faenza minnow, meanwhile, won two races as Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri.

“Let’s try it, maybe we’ll win a grand prix,” Marko quoted Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz as saying. Success eventually stretched far beyond what sounded like bold ambition 20 years ago.

Additional reporting by Ruben Zimmermann

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Bu gün Formula 1 üzrə dünya çempionatında 2025-ci il mövsümünün sonuncu mərhələsi – 24-cü qran-prisi baş tutub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, həlledici yarış Birləşmiş Ərəb Əmirliklərinin Əbu-Dabi şəhərində təşkil olunub.

Əbu-Dabi qran-prisində son 4 ilin çempionu Maks Ferstappen qalib olub. “Red Bull”un niderlandlı sürücüsü 58 dövrəlik yarışda üstünlüyünü sonadək qoruyaraq zəfərini rəsmiləşdirib. Bu, onun cari mövsümdəki 8-ci, karyerası ərzində 71-ci zəfərdir. Startda komanda yoldaşını qabaqlayan Oskar Piastri 2-ci nəticə göstərib. Lakin bunların heç birinin əhəmiyyəti olmayıb. Finişdə 3-cü olan Lando Norris qazandığı 15 xalla çempionluğunu rəsmiləşdirib. Bununla da o, Formula 1 tarixinin 35-ci çempionu olub.

Əbu-Dabidə qalib gəlmiş Mak Ferstappen çempionatı 2-ci pillədə bitirib. Bununla da onun ardıcıl 4 çempionluq seriyası başa çatıb. Çempionatın ilk yarısında uzun müddət lider olan Oskar Piasri yekunda 3-cü yeri tutub.

Mühəndislər Kubokunda isə “Maklaren” ilk sıranı tutub. Ötən il 4-cü olan “Mercedes” bu dəfə 2-ci pilləyə yüksəlib. “Red Bull” bu il də çempiontı 3-cü yerdə bitirib. Fiaskolarla zəngin olan mövsümündə “Ferrari” keçən il 2-ci olduqdan sonra bu il 4-cü olub.

Formula 1 üzrə dünya çempionatı, 2025

Pilotların yarışında turnir cədvəli:

1. Lando Norris (Maklaren) – 423
2. Maks Ferstappen (Red Bull) – 421
3. Oskar Piastri (Maklaren) – 410
4. Corc Rassell (Mersedes) – 319
5. Şarl Lekler (Ferrari) – 242
6. Luis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 156
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mersedes) – 150
8. Aleksander Albon (Uilyams) – 73
9. Karlos Sayns (Uilyams) – 64
10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 56
11. Niko Hulkenberq (Zauber) – 51
12. İsaak Hacar (Rasinq Bulls) – 51
13. Oliver Berman (Haas) – 41
14. Liam Louson (Red Bull) – 38
15. Esteban Okon (Haas) – 38
16. Lens Stroll (Aston Martin) – 33
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Rasinq Bulls) – 33
18. Pyer Qasli (Alpin) – 22
19. Qabriel Bartoleto (Zauber) – 19
20. Franko Kolapinto (Alpin) – 0
21. Cek Duen (Alpin) – 0

Mühəndislər Kubokunda xal sıralaması:

1. Maklaren – 833
2. Mersedes – 469
3. Red Bull – 451
4. Ferrari – 398
5. Uilyams – 137
6. Rasinq Bulls – 92
7. Aston Martin – 89
8. Haas – 79
9. Zauber – 70
10. Alpin – 22