“The less-than-competitive nature of the final few rounds, culminating in the
championship being decided ahead of the races in the USA and Brazil, events
which often bring substantial audiences, had a predictable impact on reach.
The overall effect was exaggerated further still when you consider that the
calendar was one race shorter in 2013.”
The fall was most alarming in China, which hosted the third race of last
season, where just 19 million viewers tuned in during 2013, around 30
million fewer than in 2012. A move away from the state broadcaster to a
collection of regional stations was blamed for the dramatic fall. France
also saw viewing figures plummet from 27 million to 10 million, following
the switch to pay television.
Despite last week launching a tirade against F1’s new rules for 2014 – in
particular the new hybrid engines, which he described as “totally absurd” –
Ecclestone was adamant that the most sweeping changes to the regulations for
a generation will help to reinvigorate the sport’s faltering audience.
“It is timely developments like these that keep Formula One at the forefront
of sustainable and relevant technology,” he said. “One thing I am sure of is
that this coming season will not only offer a heightened level of
unpredictability but renewed excitement and fierce competition.”
Some members of the paddock appeared taken by surprise at the immensely
hostile reception to Ecclestone’s double-points idea, designed to keep the
championship alive for as long as possible. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes
motorsport director, admitted at pre-season testing in Jerez: “I think
obviously the shitstorm we got afterwards was something not expected. Was it
the right move or not? 99 per cent of our fans and spectators, and this is
what counts, told us it was the wrong move so perhaps it is something to
revisit.”
Although some countries saw a sharp fall in viewing figures for 2013, it was
not all bad news, with the early indications that F1’s latest foray into
America appears to be going well. Audiences jumped by 18 per cent to 11.4
million, and there were also increases in the United Kingdom and Italy.