The spectacular popular success of the recent Miami Grand Prix confirms the bold financial health of Formula 1 in recent years with ever more lucrative commercial rights.
F1 recorded strong financial growth in the first quarter of 2026, with a 53% increase in its revenues, confirming the acceleration of the championship’s commercial momentum, both on and off the track.
The championship generated 617 million dollars in revenue over the first three months of the year, compared to 403 million in the same period in 2025.
Despite cancellations in the Middle East
Operating income also increased significantly, moving from a loss of 28 million dollars last year to a profit of 107 million this season. One of the main reasons for this increase lies in the difference in the calendar between the two seasons. At the start of 2025, only the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix had taken place before the end of March, whereas in 2026, the Japanese Grand Prix was also included in the accounting period.
The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix also amplified this effect, with a larger portion of the season’s revenues being accounted for earlier in the year. The previous season, two races out of 24 were held during the quarter, compared to three out of 22 this year. But if these cancellations are not compensated for later in the season, overall revenues could be affected by the end of the year.
Growth driven by several sectors
Liberty Media, the commercial promoter of the Grands Prix, indicated that the championship’s main revenues increased thanks to an additional race during the quarter, a proportionally higher recognition of seasonal revenues, and increases in contractual fees. The group also specifies that revenues from media rights and sponsorship benefited from the new calendar as well as strengthened commercial agreements.
Other activities also contributed to this growth. Hospitality revenues increased due to strong demand around the Paddock Club and the arrival of new premium offers. Revenues related to freight and travel also rose with the addition of an extra race. Revenues from commercial licenses also grew, as did activities at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza.
These financial results also seem to confirm that Liberty Media does not foresee the return of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix later in the season, the group having based its projections on a championship reduced to 22 races.
Priority on the show
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, emphasized that the very competitive start to the season helped maintain this positive momentum: “We have experienced an exciting start to the season, both on and off the track, with more overtakes and a very tight battle from the first races,” he said.
He also highlighted several major commercial advances, including the launch of the partnership with Apple TV in the United States, the renewal of the multi-year agreement with Sky, as well as the arrival of new partners such as Standard Chartered and Marsh.
Domenicali finally recalled that Formula 1 continues its efforts to strengthen fan engagement and continuously improve the on-track spectacle: “We remain focused on the evolution of the sport, notably by strengthening our connection with fans worldwide and working with the FIA and teams to make the sporting product even better. Together, we want to continue offering competitive races and support this exceptional growth.”