F1 numbers: excellent financial results and a boom in audiences and on social media. +25% for the TV audience in Italy

Liberty Media’s F1, crazy numbers Liberty Media’s usual call took place today to communicate the financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2026. Derek Chang, president and CEO of Liberty Media, commented in relation to F1: “Formula 1 continues to demonstrate the strength of its global platform, with a growing audience and increasingly intense fan engagement, generating solid demand in all commercial areas”. As usual, the category’s primary revenue comes from commissions for hosting races, media rights fees and sponsorships. For the quarter, F1 revenue increased 53% to $617 million, operating profit was $107 million and adjusted OIBDA increased 102% to $172 million. Formula 1 is undoubtedly financially healthy and can enjoy strong demand from fans, deep interest from commercial partners, very interesting dynamics for media rights and a solid long-term basis provided by the Concorde Agreement. Domenicali’s analysis F1 president Stefano Domenicali responded to the questions he received during the conference call. These are the most significant passages of his analyses: “The 2026 season has started in an exciting way, kicking off this new chapter in the history of Formula 1 with new regulations, new teams and new appearances on the podium. Congratulations to Kimi Antonelli, the youngest driver in history to lead the world championship. The first 4 races were sold out, engagement on social media is growing compared to the previous year and the first television data show an increasing audience worldwide. Market research among fans indicates a very positive response to the show on the track, with particular appreciation for the action and the battles in the race and the overtaking.” And again: “To date we have welcomed 1.3 million spectators to the track, in Australia there was a new attendance record. The Paddock Club has already sold out almost all the races of the 2026 season, with over 65 thousand tickets sold. To meet demand, we will expand the capacity of the Paddock Club at Silverstone, Austin and Monza. The television audience in our top markets is increasing compared to the previous year, thanks to strong growth in key markets such as Brazil, Italy and China. In Brazil we have returned to free-to-air broadcasting, in China we are having wider coverage, while in Italy we recorded a +25% increase in viewers thanks to the excellent performances of Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli”. The list of F1 successes is long, continues Domenicali: “Our content on YouTube generated almost 600 million views during the Japanese GP, +46% compared to 2025. On social media we increased our following by 20% on an annual basis, reaching over 120 million followers. The first three races recorded a higher average audience than last year and our fans are watching the races for a longer period, with an increase in total viewing hours compared to to 2025. Despite having grown so much, we believe we are only at the beginning of what is possible with F1. The momentum we are seeing across all businesses continues at an extraordinary pace, and the foundations we are building today will create lasting value for our partners, shareholders and fans, for years to come,” explained the Formula 1 president. Click here to add Formula Passion as a favorite source on Google Discover – you will find our content more easily!

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News
2026-05-08 02:53:00