F1 revenue hits record $3.87bn in 2025 as sponsorship rebounds
Formula 1 achieved record revenue of $3.87 billion in 2025, marking 14% year-over-year growth. A significant rebound in sponsorship, which surpassed 20% of primary revenue for the first time under Liberty Media, and increased fan attendance and viewership were key drivers behind the sport's strong financial performance.
Formula 1's total revenue surged 14% year-over-year to a record $3.87 billion in 2025, powered by a landmark fourth quarter. A key driver was sponsorship revenue, which exceeded 20% of primary income for the first time since Liberty Media's acquisition, signaling a robust commercial recovery for the sport.
Why it matters:
The figures represent the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth for F1 under Liberty Media, solidifying its post-pandemic financial trajectory. The rebound in sponsorship, a critical revenue stream that had lagged, demonstrates the sport's enhanced commercial appeal to major global brands beyond its traditional automotive and engineering partners.
The details:
- Record-breaking Q4: A 22% jump in fourth-quarter revenue to $1.38 billion significantly boosted the annual total, with operating income rising 28% to $632 million.
- Sponsorship resurgence: Primary revenue reached $3.09 billion, with sponsorship accounting for 21.7%. This growth was fueled by major new deals, including a landmark ten-year partnership with the LVMH Group (encompassing brands like Louis Vuitton and TAG Heuer) and new agreements with Nestlé, Santander, and PepsiCo.
- Media rights boost: Revenue from media rights and fees (31.3% of primary revenue) benefited from the commercial success of the F1 movie, which has grossed over $550 million globally, with Liberty Media receiving a percentage in the "mid-teens."
- Fan engagement climbs: Live attendance grew 4% to 6.75 million, while global TV viewership saw a substantial 21% increase compared to 2024.
- Other revenue streams: Income from hospitality, licensing, and freight—categorized as "other revenue"—grew 20% to $787 million, aided by activities at the new Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas.
What's next:
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali pointed to the momentum continuing into a transformative 2026 season. The sport is set to welcome a new race in Madrid, the entry of Cadillac and Audi as works teams, the return of Honda and Ford, and a new generation of technical regulations. This period of competitive and commercial expansion suggests the record revenue set in 2025 may be a foundation for further growth as the sport enters a new era.