• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Formula One Team Values Are Surging. How High? That’s Debatable

  • Each of the 10 teams is worth at least $1.3 billion, says McLaren’s CEO.
  • Solid financial performance and enforced scarcity are fueling valuation gains.
Austin American-Statesman

Already boasting one of the fastest-growing sets of franchise valuations in the industry, Formula One is reaching another milestone as every team is worth at least $1.3 billion, or £1 billion, according to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

Speaking at Bloomberg’s Power Players event in Jeddah ahead of Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Brown credited a surge in American popularity and overall revenues under the leadership of Liberty Media, which purchased the motor-sports circuit in 2017.

“Half the grid is profitable. They weren’t five years ago,” Brown said. 

Brown’s boasts differ somewhat from F1 valuations from last summer by Forbes, which placed the least valuable team, Williams Racing, at $725 million, and four of the 10 teams below that $1.3 billion mark. But even that list had an average team valuation of $1.88 billion, more than triple the comparable $500 million mark from 2019.

Sense Behind the Surge

Liberty’s recent earnings confirmed the underpinning behind the team valuation surge, as F1’s full-year attendance rose 5% in 2023 to 6 million, revenue grew 25% to $3.22 billion, and operating income surged 64% to $392 million. Helping drive those numbers were mushrooming fan interest in the U.S. and successful new events, such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which despite heavy upfront infrastructure costs, local unrest still unfolding, and some operational issues, still proved a solid hit both on-site and on television

Even amid a particularly dramatic offseason with several driver- and team-level issues, F1 officials pointed to continued upside surrounding the sport.

“We have a solid financial foundation and an attractive, growing fan base,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said in an earnings call with analysts. “Our team is focused on deepening this fandom.”

But there also remains a sharply enforced scarcity to F1, which is no doubt further amplifying team valuations behind the core financial performance. League officials have consistently held off on team expansion and, most recently, rejected a bid from Andretti to become the 11th team in 2025 and ’26. 

“What Liberty is wanting to do is protect the value of the 10 teams that exist,” Brown said. “We’re now in a position where pre-Liberty, you had teams falling away. Now post-Liberty era there are teams lining up to get into the sport. So I think Liberty is just seeing how, when, and if they want teams to enter.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Raleigh Dumps Competition in HR Derby to Win $1M Prize

“Big Dumper” barely gets into the semifinals before ultimately winning the competition.
The 153rd Open Championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland

Open Championship Considers Ireland: Portrush ‘Will Open’ Gates

Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland is hosting this week’s tournament.
Joy Taylor

Joy Taylor Out As FS1 Armageddon Ends Three Shows

All three shows were struggling to attract audiences.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.

MLBPA Chief Says League Missing Chance to Build On Success

Union leaders again call out perceived moves toward a salary cap.
July 14, 2025

MLB’s HR Derby’s $1M Prize Tops Salaries for Three Rising Stars

Three derby competitors could more than double their 2025 salary.
July 14, 2025

NFL’s New Headsets Are Designed to Survive Coach Tantrums

New NFL coaching headsets underwent “extensive drop testing.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 13, 2025

Nationals Take HS Star Willits No. 1 in MLB Draft, Eye Potential..

Washington shocks observers by selecting a 17-year-old high schooler.
July 13, 2025

Chelsea Wins $110M in FIFA’s Revamped $1B Club World Cup

Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final match.
July 13, 2025

Bill Ackman to Give $10M to Tennis Hall of Fame After Tournament..

Ackman defended the decision and closed with a challenge to Andy Roddick.
July 13, 2025

Sinner Outduels Alcaraz for First Wimbledon Title and $4M Payday

The best two players in men’s tennis battled once again.