The 2025 Formula 1 season can be described in one word: excitement.
The milestone 75th anniversary of the sport was marked by an extravagant launch event in London, featuring a red carpet and an awards ceremony filled with cheesy jokes and musical acts. Apple launched Brad Pitt’s F1: The Movie and acquired the sport’s media rights for a staggering $140 million annually. The seventh season of Drive to Survive, coupled with a myriad of scandals involving the governing body and the exit of Christian Horner (and Helmut Marko) from Red Bull, kept fans engaged with a wealth of drama, while the prospect of a new 11th team hinted at even more excitement to come.
Despite all the distractions that might have taken attention away, F1’s 2025 season concluded with fresh optimism. An optimism that the true entertainment won’t manifest through extravagant parties on Miami yachts or Elvis impersonators wandering the Las Vegas Strip paddock.
An optimism that the real thrill still exists on the track, even if winning the championship from a third-place position is a bittersweet taste.
With an influx of fans this year, F1 felt omnipresent: from beauty commercials to viral social media initiatives to features in Vogue. I heard from numerous fans—both those who enjoyed the V12 era and the DTS generation—that they were experiencing a sense of F1 fatigue due to the sport’s relentless pursuit of new fans and revenue, appearing around every corner.
For my part, I decided to pause my coverage of races for several reasons, with what I refer to as “Formula Fatigue” being one of them. Even the drivers, pivotal to the sport’s ongoing achievement, voiced their discontent regarding the Hollywood direction as Max Verstappen opted out of the driver-exclusive screening of “F1” and continued to express criticism towards F1’s anniversary initiatives.
Yet as the championship battle narrowed in the closing races, F1 demonstrated that even as the sport increasingly appeals to a mainstream audience, a three-way contest for the first time in 15 years can still offer the spark of magic that devoted fans—or weary journalists—long for.
And the figures confirmed it: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix reached a new viewership record of 1.8 million on ESPN.
That hope and viewership may not have persisted as the gap widened between first and second place on the last lap of the season, but it still underscored that F1’s finest offering remains racing.
When Verstappen crossed the finish line first in 19 out of 23 races in 2023, it seemed like much of the world began to root against him. But in 2025, he transformed into something far removed from his usual image: an underdog.
Suddenly, the driver who appeared to outwardly disdain F1’s American entertainment venture became a source of entertainment himself. As the season finale approached, McLaren team principal Zac Brown even compared Verstappen to a villain from a horror film who couldn’t be vanquished.
Indeed, against all odds, the 2025 F1 season turned into a narrative of entertainment driven by underdogs: from Hulkenberg’s podium achievement at Silverstone to Williams securing fifth in the World Constructors’ Championship.
However, it was the trio of underdogs contending for the title that genuinely captivated viewers.
McLaren’s two drivers each claimed seven victories—far from the conventional image of an expected loser—but the reality of either Norris or Oscar Piastri clinching the title was never assured. It’s easy to reflect on Norris winning the initial race of the season and construct a tale of a dominant vehicle, but it took him seven races after the Australian Grand Prix to ascend the podium as a winner again.
While Verstappen’s underdog narrative revolved around closing a 104-point deficit to just two points in nine races, Piastri’s revolved around teamwork. Even when leading the championship, Norris showcased an underdog storyline by embodying qualities athletes are often warned against: honesty and vulnerability, sometimes excessively so.
As the fireworks lit up the night sky, and Norris celebrated with championship-winning champagne from third place, the result may not have delivered the “wow-factor” that fans anticipated from a thrilling title contest, like a photo finish or last-lap maneuver.
However, F1’s conclusion was possibly just the ending it warranted: a somewhat sweet, somewhat bitter resolution that compelled fans to ponder the season and consider: Maybe the sport transcends its victories. Or at least surpasses its advertising revenue.
Have a tip? Reach out to us at [email protected]
**F1’s Emphasis on Entertainment Concludes with a Suitable Season Finale**
The realm of Formula 1 (F1) has traditionally been associated with speed, accuracy, and engineering proficiency. Yet, in recent years, the sport has increasingly directed its focus towards entertainment, aiming to engage a wider audience beyond mere motorsport aficionados. This strategic shift culminated in a suitable season finale that highlighted not just exhilarating racing but also a spectacle crafted to captivate fans on various levels.
As the 2023 F1 season neared its end, the battle for the championship escalated, captivating viewers with dramatic tales and intense rivalries. The concluding race, hosted at the renowned Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, provided an ideal backdrop for this entertainment-focused tactic. The event was carefully designed to offer an immersive experience, featuring live performances, fan engagement, and a lively ambiance that spread beyond the track.
A standout feature of the season finale was the incorporation of entertainment segments into the race weekend. High-profile musical acts and celebrity appearances were intentionally timed, creating a festival-like atmosphere appealing to a broad audience. This strategy not only enriched the experience for attendees but also attracted viewers who may not typically engage with F1, thus expanding the sport’s audience.
The race itself did not fail to impress, presenting a thrilling contest that maintained fans’ attention. With numerous lead changes and tactical skirmishes across the field, the finale encapsulated the essence of F1 racing. The emphasis on entertainment complemented the sport’s competitive nature rather than overshadowing it, crafting a narrative that resonated with both devoted fans and newcomers.
Additionally, technological advancements played a vital role in enhancing viewer engagement. Innovative broadcasting methods, such as augmented reality visuals and interactive features, allowed fans to connect with the race in real-time. This technological blend not only enriched understanding of race dynamics but also fostered a sense of connection between the audience and drivers.
The season finale also underscored F1’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Initiatives aimed at minimizing the sport’s environmental impact were prominently showcased, aligning with the values of a contemporary audience increasingly attentive to ecological issues. This focus on sustainability, coupled with the entertainment aspect, positioned F1 as a progressive sport responsive to current societal concerns.
In summary, F1’s intentional focus on entertainment throughout the 2023 season culminated in an appropriate finale that celebrated the sport’s rich history while embracing its future. By merging thrilling racing with engaging entertainment, F1 successfully captivated a broader audience, ensuring that the season’s conclusion was more than just a race—it was an unforgettable event resonating with fans worldwide. As the sport moves forward, this equilibrium between competition and entertainment is likely to continue influencing its trajectory, promising exciting developments for the future of Formula 1.