F1's Record $3.87B Revenue in 2025: How the Sport Makes Its Money

Formula 1 generated a record $3.87 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year and delivering a $632 million operating profit for owner Liberty Media. The sport's financial engine is powered by three primary revenue streams: media rights, race promotion fees, and sponsorship, which together account for nearly 80% of its total income.

Why it matters:

This record-breaking financial performance underscores Formula 1's immense global growth and commercial health under Liberty Media's stewardship. The sustained revenue increase, more than double since the 2017 acquisition, provides greater financial stability for the sport, fuels investments in its future, and strengthens its position when negotiating with teams, sponsors, and broadcasters. A profitable F1 is crucial for funding the technological arms race on track and expanding the sport's global footprint.

The Details:

The $3.87 billion in revenue breaks down into four key categories, highlighting a diversified and robust business model.

• Media Rights ($1.21B): This is the largest income driver, fueled by broadcast agreements. Revenue grew by $93.4 million from 2024, aided by a 21% year-over-year increase in global live TV viewership. Recent high-value deals, like the new U.S. agreement with Apple TV+ worth over $140 million annually, signal continued growth potential in this segment.
• Race Promotion Fees ($1.03B): Income from circuits hosting Grands Prix constitutes just over a quarter of total revenue. With the calendar maxed out at 24 races, growth here is incremental but strategic. F1 is seeking to add more Sprint events (which carry a premium fee) and employs contract accelerators and event "churn"—replacing lower-paying races with more lucrative ones—to push revenue upward.
• Sponsorship ($840.4M): Accounting for 21.7% of revenue, sponsorship saw a sharp 32% increase from 2024. F1 has built a deep partner roster, including 10 Global Partners like Aramco and Heineken, and 16 Official Partners. Leadership now focuses on "quality over quantity," leveraging digital platforms, podcasts, and social media to create new, high-value advertising opportunities beyond traditional trackside branding.
• Other Revenue Streams ($786.2M): This diverse category, making up 20.3% of income, includes corporate hospitality (notably the Paddock Club, which hosted 65,000 guests), licensing, and revenue from feeder series like F2 and F3. The Paddock Club alone, with tickets averaging around $7,000, is a massive revenue generator.

What's next:

Liberty Media is poised to continue its revenue growth trajectory into 2026 and beyond through several clear strategies.

• Media Market Expansion: New and renewed broadcast deals, particularly in key markets like the U.S., will likely drive further significant income from media rights as F1's popularity boom continues.
• Calendar Optimization: While the race count is capped, F1 will maximize revenue per event by expanding the Sprint format and strategically rotating circuits to favor those willing to pay higher promotion fees, as seen with the incoming Madrid Grand Prix.
• Digital Monetization: A major focus will be on further monetizing F1's digital ecosystem—including YouTube, social media, and podcasts—to offer sponsors targeted, high-quality advertising opportunities beyond the physical race weekend.

This multifaceted approach suggests the sport's financial record is not a one-off peak but a stepping stone to even greater commercial success.