How has the popularity of Formula 1 evolved over the years?

Formula 1, the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has a history that spans over seven decades. Since its inception in 1950, the sport has gone through several transformations, which has impacted its popularity among fans and viewers.

In the early years of Formula 1, the sport was primarily followed by a niche audience, with only a handful of countries hosting the races. However, the 1980s marked a turning point in the sport's popularity, with a surge in the number of global broadcasters and the emergence of several iconic drivers, such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell. This decade also saw a rise in corporate sponsorship and the introduction of turbocharged engines, which increased the speed of the cars and made the races more exciting.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw the domination of Michael Schumacher, who won seven championships, which helped increase the sport's popularity in Europe. However, this era also saw the rise of complaints about the sport's lack of overtaking and the dominance of certain teams, which led to the introduction of new rules aimed at making the sport more competitive.

The past decade has seen a further rise in the sport's popularity, with new tracks being added to the calendar and the emergence of a new generation of talented drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Additionally, the sport's social media presence has expanded significantly, with teams and drivers engaging with fans and followers through various platforms.