F1’s Growth Shows No Sign of Slowing
Formula 1 continues to prove it is not just a sport, but a fast-growing global business. The second quarter financial report from Liberty Media shows huge gains, with revenue jumping 40% year-on-year to one billion dollars. A big part of this comes from the release of F1: The Movie in June, which alone brought in about 15% of the growth. This was also boosted by continued growth in F1 TV subscriptions and a scheduling difference that meant a larger portion of seasonal revenue was recorded in this quarter. Together, these factors show that F1’s popularity and commercial strength are accelerating at full speed.
The movie’s impact goes far beyond ticket sales. Speaking in the Liberty Media earnings call, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali explained that the real value is in how the film boosts Formula 1’s global visibility and creates opportunities for more business around the sport. He sees the movie as a marketing tool that connects with new audiences and builds excitement for the real races. This kind of cross-promotion can keep F1 in the spotlight even outside the race calendar. For Liberty Media, this is a perfect example of how to grow the sport both on and off the track.
Domenicali also highlighted how strong F1’s global presence already is. Using Nielsen data, he revealed that in 2024, the sport had 826 million fans worldwide. Impressively, 43% of those fans are under 35 years old, and 42% are women, showing F1’s success in appealing to younger and more diverse audiences. This is important for the sport’s future, as younger fans are more likely to stay engaged for decades to come. The movie has helped spark conversations across social media, drawing even more attention from these key groups.
The growth isn’t just online. TV viewership trends are also pointing upward, with live race audiences in the United States up seven percent compared to the same time last season. F1 has long wanted to grow its footprint in America, and this is a sign that its recent efforts, from adding more U.S. races to producing American-targeted content, are paying off. The combination of cinematic exposure, social media buzz, and on-track drama is creating a perfect storm for growing interest.
Live race attendance is another strong indicator of F1’s success. Out of the last 40 Grands Prix, 12 have sold out, and six have broken their own attendance records. These packed grandstands show that fans are eager to experience Formula 1 in person, bringing both direct ticket revenue and extra income from merchandise, hospitality, and local tourism. This momentum is likely to continue as the sport expands its calendar and adds more destination races. Formula 1’s second quarter report makes it clear, the sport is in the middle of a powerful growth phase. With the boost from F1: Apex Speed, rising TV audiences, strong social media engagement, and record-setting live attendance, the sport is firing on all cylinders. If Liberty Media and F1 keep building on this momentum, the future looks just as exciting as the action on track.
