Liberty Media has released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. Unsurprisingly, the calendar disruptions have heavily impacted Formula 1’s revenues.
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Formula 1 has paid the price for the upheavals in its 2026 calendar. Liberty Media, the owner of the sport, has published its financial results for the second quarter of the year and confirms a significant drop in its revenues compared to the same period in 2025.
The cause is a significantly lower number of Grands Prix during the first half of the year, a direct consequence of the Middle East conflict and an already less dense calendar at the start of the season.
Significant revenue decline
As of June 30, 2026, Formula 1 had organized three fewer races than at the same date last year.
In addition to longer breaks planned from the calendar’s inception, the war in the Middle East led to the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, initially scheduled for April.
This situation had an immediate impact on Liberty Media’s accounts.
Formula 1’s revenues thus fell by 15%, reaching 1.381 billion dollars, compared to a much higher level in the same period in 2025.
At the same time, operating profit stood at 180 million dollars, while the adjusted OIBDA (a profitability indicator commonly used by Liberty Media) dropped by 30%, to 311 million dollars.
These results were largely anticipated given the exceptional circumstances affecting the calendar.
The season should still feature at least 22 Grands Prix
Despite this revenue decline, Formula 1 continues its efforts to limit the consequences of this situation.
The Bahrain Grand Prix has already found a replacement solution. As recently announced, the event will finally be held on October 4 at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.
However, the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix has been definitively canceled this season.
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Uncertainty also remains around the rounds scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, whose holding will depend on the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the region.
The stated goal of the leaders remains unchanged: to organize at least 22 Grands Prix by the end of the season.
Domenicali highlights the strength of Formula 1
Despite these financial difficulties, Formula 1’s president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, prefers to emphasize the overall good health of the championship.
According to him, the 2026 season continues to generate strong public interest.
“This season showcases the best of our sport, with competitive races and exciting scenarios that continue to fuel fan enthusiasm. Attendance at circuits, TV audiences, and performance on our digital platforms have all increased since the start of the year.”
The Italian executive also highlights the sport’s adaptability in the face of an exceptional situation.
“Our sport continues to demonstrate its adaptability and creativity. The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Malaysia thanks to the agreement announced last week.”
Still positive prospects
Stefano Domenicali also recalls that several major projects continue to strengthen Formula 1’s economic position.
He notably cites the growth in audiences thanks to the partnership with Apple, whose viewing hours have increased by 13% since the start of the season, as well as the ten-year extension of the Las Vegas Grand Prix and new agreements concluded with several commercial partners, including Pirelli and ServusTV.
All these elements allow Liberty Media to approach the second half of the season with optimism, despite a start to the year marked by exceptional circumstances that heavily affected the sport’s finances.
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