F1 Q1 2026 Revenue Soars 53% to $617m

Formula One Management has reported record revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$617 million for the three months ending March 31, 2026.

This figure represents a 53 per cent increase year-over-year and surpasses the previous opening quarter record of US$553 million set in 2024.

The financial results show a significant recovery in operating income, which rose to US$107 million. This follows a registered loss of US$28 million in 2025.

Adjusted OIBDA also saw a substantial increase of 102 per cent year-over-year, totaling US$172 million.

Despite these gains, the operating income and adjusted OIBDA did not exceed the peaks established in 2024, which were US$136 million and US$208 million, respectively.

The primary driver for the revenue surge was the scheduling of three races during the first quarter of 2026, compared to two races during the same period in the previous year.

This increase in race frequency had a positive effect across the three main pillars of the sport’s commercial model: sponsorship, race promotion, and media rights. Corporate hospitality revenue also experienced a boost due to the additional event.

The sport secured several key commercial agreements during this period. Formula One signed a new media rights deal with Foxtel in Australia, reported to be worth US$42 million (AUS$60 million) per year.

the series renewed its contract with BeIN Sports across Asia, extending the partnership until the conclusion of the 2030 season.

Formula One also expanded its sponsorship portfolio by welcoming Betway as its first betting operator. This multi-year agreement covers Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East, and Africa.

Further extensions were reached with Allwyn and Salesforce, both of which are focused on increasing fan engagement opportunities within the sport.

The financial growth occurred alongside a turbulent start to the competitive season. New regulations for 2026 have been divisive, with drivers and fans criticizing the resulting racing style, specifically citing jarring overtakes caused by energy deployment.

In response to these issues, the FIA, Formula One Management, and the teams voted in April 2026 to implement changes. These adjustments addressed safety concerns and the unnatural elements of racing by modifying how batteries are harvested and deployed.

Liberty Media’s report included comments from Stefano Domenicali regarding the season’s trajectory.

We had a thrilling start to the season, both on and off the track, with increased overtaking and a highly competitive early season, We continue to see positive momentum across our business, including a strong start to our partnership with Apple in the U.S.

Stefano Domenicali

While global TV viewership increased across the first three races of the season, the financial impact of cancelled Grands Prix in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is expected to be reflected in the second quarter results.

Analysts note that the financial foundation of Formula One Management remains resilient due to medium-to-long term agreements. This insulation ensured that early-season revenue was locked in before the full impact of the 2026 technical regulations became evident.