Formula 1 has shattered financial expectations for the second quarter of 2025, reporting a staggering $1.34 billion in revenue from April to June, a 35% surge compared to the $988 million recorded in the same period last year.
The blockbuster figures, announced by Liberty Media on Thursday, underscore the sport’s soaring global popularity and commercial prowess, fueled by an expanded race calendar, strategic partnerships, and innovative ventures.
Formula One Group chief executive Stefano Domenicali highlighted how the sport’s financial clout is on par with its on-track success.
“This season has showcased phenomenal racing, with multiple teams and drivers competing at the very highest level,” commented Grand Prix racing’s chief.
“The F1 movie from Apple debuted to well-deserved accolades, marking the largest box office theatrical release for any streaming service and captivating audiences of both core and new F1 fans alike.
“Cultural moments like the F1 movie alongside exciting on-track action are generating strong viewership trends and especially robust social and digital engagement, including a record number of social impressions delivered by content posted on official F1 channels.
“Thanks to the efforts of our teams, partners and the F1 community, we are driving excellent momentum at Formula 1 on and off the track.”
Primary F1 Revenue Drives Growth
The lion’s share of F1’s income – $1.03 billion – came from what Liberty categorizes as “primary revenue,” which includes race promotion fees, media rights, and sponsorship agreements.
That figure is up dramatically from $739 million in Q2 2024, driven in large part by an expanded calendar. The sport staged nine Grands Prix during the second quarter of 2025, one more than in the same timeframe last season.
Adding to the commercial uplift were unique gains tied to the launch of F1 The Movie, produced by Apple Original Films and starring Brad Pitt. The high-profile Hollywood release, which premiered globally in late June, added an extra layer of media exposure, and income, for the sport.
Other revenue streams – covering areas like hospitality, licensing, and real estate – also climbed, from $132 million to $194 million. Among the standout contributors was a $6 million lease deal from the Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas, as well as strong performance from Quint, Liberty’s ticketing and hospitality arm.
Profit and Payouts Surge
F1’s operating income before depreciation and amortisation more than doubled year-on-year, rising from $165 million to $369 million.
The sport also shared more of that success with its teams. A total of $513 million in prize money was distributed across the 10 teams during the quarter, up from $435 million in Q2 2024. So far this year, teams have received $625 million in total.
However, higher earnings also came with rising operational costs. Liberty cited a variety of factors, including increased freight expenses due to the revised race order, higher commissions and costs to service a growing roster of sponsors, larger Paddock Club operations driven by higher attendance, and the expense of expanding F1 TV amid rising global subscriber numbers.
Additional costs were also linked to new activations at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza.
MotoGP Acquisition Completed
In a strategic development that could shape the future of motorsport under Liberty’s umbrella, the company also confirmed it completed its acquisition of MotoGP on July 3, following months of regulatory reviews.
MotoGP will now sit alongside Formula 1 under the Formula One Group, but its financial impact won’t be reflected in earnings until the third quarter.
With record numbers, new ventures, and an ever-expanding calendar, F1’s financial engine continues to accelerate – reaffirming its status as one of the most commercially potent properties in global sport.
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