Hamilton, Mercedes dominance turns off new fans - Liberty

Liberty Media chief Chase Carey says falling television audiences in certain areas may be influenced by Mercedes winning all seven races to start the 2019 Formula 1 season, lamenting races that have not remained on edge until the chequered flag.

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have shared the honours five to two so far this season, with Ferrari struggling to bring the fight to Mercedes, until last time out in Canada, when Sebastian Vettel lost victory to a time penalty.

Television audiences have begun to decline in countries like Germany, Italy and The UK as F1 coverage has moved behind paywalls.

However, Carey believes that the action, or lack of it, on the track is just as much to blame for any declines as people refusing to pay for the product.

"Basically I would say that the figures are by and large stable," he told Speed Week.

"But I have to admit that in 2019 there has been less drama to attract new viewers when one team has won all seven races so far.

"And some races were not exactly exciting all the way to the final lap. In Monaco and Montreal we at least had fights at the front until the finish."

Also damaging F1's credibility and viewership has been F1 TV Pro's near constant failings across race weekends in the year that the service has been available.

Carey says platforms such as F1's streaming service should be at the forefront of any planning.

He said: "To win more and new fans, we must not forget the other platforms, streaming is becoming more important.

"Teenagers or tweens are not watching TV any more, but on smartphones."

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