Formula 1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali outlined ambitious growth targets during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, stating that the global racing series aims to rival major American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA while closing in on a milestone of one billion fans worldwide.
Global Growth and U.S. Expansion Targets
Domenicali appeared on the late-night program in New York following attendance at the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award. During his conversation with host Jimmy Fallon, the F1 CEO emphasized the sport’s rapid expansion in the United States, acknowledging the dominance of established domestic leagues while charting a path forward.
“We are just arriving in the United States trying to emerge in the middle of the big giants of the NFL, the NBA, but we will get there,” Domenicali told Fallon during the segment.
Ticket demand has reflected that upward trajectory. Every scheduled F1 grand prix weekend sold out during the season, driven by rising attendance figures across global circuits. Official figures highlighted by the program show that 3,7 million spectators attended race weekends over the course of the season, marking an increase from 3,4 million the previous year alongside six new attendance records set at individual circuits.
Audience Demographics and Global Reach
Beyond raw attendance figures, Domenicali pointed to shifting demographic trends within the sport’s fanbase as a primary driver of its modern appeal. The series has experienced growth among younger demographics and female spectators.
“F1 is a global sport,” Domenicali said. “We are attracting a young audience, and now also many women are following us. And this is fantastic.” When Fallon asked for clarification, Domenicali confirmed that 40 percent of new fans are women.
That broad international appeal places the championship within striking distance of a significant threshold. When Fallon inquired about projections to reach one billion total fans, Domenicali responded that the series is very close to that milestone and expressed hope to return to the show to celebrate the achievement.
Las Vegas Grand Prix and Hollywood Connections
Discussion also turned to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, set to return on November 21. When the event was first proposed, skepticism surrounded the viability of the move, with critics questioning local familiarity.
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“When we went there the first time, people were saying, ‘You’re crazy. Nobody knows who we are,'” Domenicali recalled. “And I said, ‘Just wait.’ And now everybody knows we are coming.”
Tickets for the event are effectively sold out, though Domenicali joked that accommodations could be found for the host. The lighthearted conversation also touched on a memento from their past interactions: Fallon once arranged for a Michelin restaurant to deliver a pizza to Domenicali with a note reading, “Stefano, consegna per ogni evenienza. Jimmy Fallon,” a keepsake the executive revealed he still keeps attached to his phone.
The conversation concluded with a nod to the film involving Brad Pitt, with Domenicali teasing potential developments for a sequel. Asked about a follow-up project, Domenicali advised viewers to “stay tuned,” adding that discussions are underway.
