MORE Singaporeans are watching Formula One races on television. A survey done by regional broadcaster ESPN Star Sports showed a significant growth in viewership, with ratings of the current F1 season's live races much higher than the last.
The highest increase in television ratings for F1 live races came from men aged between 35 and 44; their numbers increased by a whopping 127 per cent, more than twice the previous viewership.
The sport continues to be popular among younger men - aged 15-24 - as well, with a ratings increase of approximately 20 per cent.
Interestingly, while the sport's audience is often perceived to be male-dominated, the survey reveals increased ratings for female viewership of live races.
For women viewers aged 15 and above, ratings increased by a robust 26 per cent.
In addition, Singaporeans spent more time watching all F1-related programmes this year, with Star Sports' Race Day and Chequered Flag pre- and post-race shows receiving increased ratings of 22 per cent among all F1 viewers.
Another trend worth noting is the increasing out-of-home viewing of F1 races in Singapore: Over 45 per cent of fans prefer to catch the action at their friends' homes, or at pubs and sports bars.
