F1 tv viewing set to plummet further

[wnut]

Originally Posted by AdrianM

It's not the cars or the racing that the majority of people are drawn by it's the drivers themselves. Swap the drivers in F1 and DTM around and see which series plummets in the ratings and which one rises.

For a series to compete they need prime time TV slots and super star names. There are already many series out there with far better racing and better looking cars but they are nowhere in terms of public perception.

You are correct that the star power is what attracts viewers, however prime time TV slots are the key to developing critical mass and forming new stars and stories.
With F1 conceding the FTA high ground, a competing series could move into the space that F1 has left and establish itself. FTA needs content, and the opportunity could be taken to fix F1's problems and establish a competing series. Difficult, but possible.

Drivers could be bought, and there are certainly plenty missing out on an F1 seat.

The secret of success is FTA prime time, and eyeballs, the rest will follow.