Formula 1 projects a record revenue distribution for the teams in 2026

Formula 1 closed 2025 with numbers that confirm its transformation into one of the most profitable sports businesses on the planet. The strong financial growth of recent times anticipates a historic revenue distribution among the teams, which could approach 1.4 billion dollars, a figure never before reached in the category.

The championship's total revenue was close to USD 4 billion, surpassing 3.65 billion in 2024 and reflecting a 9% increase during the first three quarters of the last fiscal year. The data, released by Liberty Media, show sustained expansion both in commercial income and in global reach.

One of the clearest indicators of this boom is the revaluation of the teams. The recent sale of 5% of Mercedes, completed by Toto Wolff in a deal close to 265 million euros, pushed the total valuation of the German team above USD 5 billion. A similar phenomenon can be seen at Williams, acquired in 2020 by Dorilton Capital for USD 170 million and which today would have an estimated value close to USD 1.8 billion.

The economic growth is supported by two key pillars: the increase in commercial revenue, driven by new sponsorships and digital expansion, and the strict application of the budget cap, which limited expenses and improved financial predictability. Although not all teams show net profits, the overall balance is positive. Mercedes itself, for example, exceeded 130 million euros in profit in 2025, although the regulations prevent reinvesting that surplus in technical development.

In parallel, the top category reached a record base of 827 million followers worldwide. The audience profile also changed: 43% are under 35 years old and 42% are women, after the addition of 43 million new female fans in the last year. In terms of global viewership, the category ranks above leagues such as the NBA.

The media impact accompanies that trend. More than one billion people followed at least one race throughout the previous season, with an average of 70 million viewers per weekend. In that regard, Sprint races grew by 19% and digital platforms consolidated F1 as the fastest-growing sport on social media and YouTube.

With these record numbers, the challenge going forward will be to maintain the sporting appeal. With a calendar stabilized at 24 Grands Prix and little room to continue growing in the number of dates, Liberty Media aims to consolidate the current model and to implement regulations that will ensure greater competitiveness in view of the technical revolution planned for 2026.