F1 revenue jumps 53% to $617m in Q1 2026, driven by extra race and new deals

Formula One's Q1 2026 revenue surged 53% year-over-year to $617 million, a new quarterly record, as the series benefited from three races held in the period compared to two in 2025.

Why it matters:

The strong start comes despite a challenging season marked by cancelled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds—the full impact will hit Q2. But rising TV audiences and new commercial partnerships show F1's global momentum remains intact under Liberty Media.

By the numbers:

• Q1 revenue: $617 million (prev. record $553m in 2024)
• Operating income: $107 million (vs. -$28m loss in Q1 2025)
• Adjusted OIBDA: $172 million (up 102% YoY, though below 2024's $208m)
• Three races held (Australia, China, Japan) vs. two last year

The details:

• Media rights: New Foxtel deal in Australia worth ~$42m/year; BeIN Sports renewal across Asia through 2030
• Sponsorship: First betting partner Betway signed for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada, Mexico; extensions with Salesforce and Allwyn focused on fan engagement
• Viewership: Global TV audiences rose 23% (Australia), 30% (China), and 20% (Japan) year-over-year despite fan complaints about racing quality
• Quotes: Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang highlighted "sustained momentum" while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized "increased overtaking" and a "competitive early season"

What's next:

F1 continues to expand commercial reach—Apple partnership in the US, standard Chartered and Marsh as new partners—while working with the FIA and teams to improve the on-track product. The true test will come in Q2 when the financial impact of the cancelled Middle Eastern races is revealed.