Formula 1 in brief
- Rank: #2 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #1 of 9 in Media & Entertainment.
- WCRC Power Score: 76.94 out of 100.
- Founded: 1950, by FIA Formula One World Championship, first held in 1950.
- Owner: Liberty Media Corporation (Formula One Group), London, England.
- Leadership: Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
- Latest revenue: $3.9bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +14.0%), as per company filings.
What makes Formula 1 powerful
Formula 1 has turned a motor racing championship into a global entertainment business. In 2025 it generated record revenue of US$3.87 billion, up 14%, and operating income of US$632 million.
Its income comes from streams that reinforce each other: media rights brought in US$1.21 billion, race promotion fees US$1.03 billion and sponsorship US$840 million, with hospitality, freight and licensing adding a further US$786 million. A 24-race calendar, the most the Concorde Agreement allows, gives broadcasters, sponsors and host cities a long season to sell. Chief executive Stefano Domenicali says global live TV viewership across all sessions rose 21% in 2025, and the Paddock Club served 65,000 race-day guests. Few sports properties can sell the same weekend to broadcasters, premium brands and city governments at once.
Formula 1 earned US$3.87 billion in revenue in 2025, up 14% on the previous year.
Why Formula 1 ranks #2
Formula 1 sits at number 2 because it keeps its published World's Most Powerful 100 score of 76.94 rather than being rescored on the UK pillars. That places it just below Dove and just above Rolls-Royce, two other brands carried over from the global ranking. Its position reflects a sport with record revenue, a full calendar and a worldwide broadcast audience, run commercially from London.
The Achilles' heel
Formula 1's growth model leans on rising hosting fees and more races. Each new contract raises the bar for promoters, and some events depend on state backing that can change with politics. A longer calendar also strains teams and staff. If the audience boost from the film and streaming fades, the sport may find it harder to justify the prices it now charges sponsors and hosts.
The 2026 story
Formula 1 entered 2026 off record results. Liberty Media reported in February 2026 that F1 revenue reached US$3.87 billion in 2025, up 14%, with sponsorship rising to US$840 million from US$635 million. About 45% of income goes to the ten teams, which shared around US$1.4 billion. Stefano Domenicali remains president and chief executive, and early 2026 trading benefited from an extra race in the first quarter.
Pillar profile
Formula 1's full 50-parameter profile is published on its World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 page.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is Formula 1 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
Formula 1 ranks #2 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 76.94 out of 100.
What makes Formula 1 powerful?
Record revenue driven by sponsorship, race hosting fees and media rights, with a full 24-race calendar and rising global TV audiences.
What is Formula 1's revenue?
$3.9bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +14.0%), as per company filings.
Who founded and owns Formula 1?
Formula 1 was founded in 1950 by FIA Formula One World Championship, first held in 1950. It is owned by Liberty Media Corporation (Formula One Group) and based in London, England.
Who leads Formula 1?
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
What is Formula 1's biggest challenge?
Growth relies on ever-higher race hosting fees and a crowded calendar that teams, staff and some fans already find stretched.
Also featured in
- Most powerful Media & Entertainment brands
- Top 10 Best British Brands
- UK's 50 Most Valuable Brands
- British Global Powerhouses
- Fastest-Growing British Brands
- Most powerful brands in England
Key facts
| Brand | Formula 1 |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Liberty Media Corporation (Formula One Group) |
| Headquarters | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founder(s) | FIA Formula One World Championship, first held in 1950 |
| Leadership | Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 |
| Latest revenue | $3.9bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +14.0%), as per company filings |
| Sector | Media & Entertainment |
| Website | formula1.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by Liberty Media Corporation
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
