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Don't blame Vettel for viewer switch-off

Fingers were pointing at Sebastian Vettel when F1's drop in TV viewing figures was revealed, but DIETER RENCKEN argues that commercial, political and sporting decisions had far more impact

TV numbers are Formula 1's currency. When ratings are up, the Formula One Group is able to negotiate top-dollar contracts - which in turn trickles down to teams, albeit diluted - and when global numbers peak so does the value of sponsor and partner deals, whether at team or commercial rights holder (FOG) level.

Circuit owners, too, score through increased awareness in their territories, while there is little doubt that today's fledgling viewers are tomorrow's drivers, engineers, buyers of tickets/merchandise/games, and pitlane reporters.

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