Formula 1 revenue falls 15% after disrupted 2026 calendar
Liberty Media reports sharp first-half decline
Liberty Media has reported a significant fall in Formula 1 revenue for the second quarter and first six months of 2026, with the championshipâs disrupted calendar directly affecting its financial performance.
Revenue declined by 15% to $1.381 billion compared with the same period in 2025. The reduction reflects a compressed opening half of the season, with Formula 1 staging three fewer races than it had during the first six months of the previous year.
Some of the gaps had been planned before the campaign began. The disruption was then compounded by the conflict in the Middle East, which meant that no races were held in April. Both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix had originally been scheduled for that month.
Operating income stood at $180 million, while Adjusted OIBDA fell by 30% to $311 million year-on-year. The scale of the decline was widely expected given the lost race activity, but the figures underline how closely Formula 1âs commercial performance remains tied to the delivery of its event calendar.
Bahrain move offers partial recovery
Formula 1 is attempting to restore some of that lost activity during the second half of the season. The Bahrain Grand Prix has been confirmed for 4 October in Malaysia, following the calendar disruption. The relocated 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang is therefore central to the sportâs revised schedule.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place. A decision on Qatar and Abu Dhabi remains pending, although Formula 1 is currently working on the basis of holding at least 22 races in 2026.
That target will be important not only for the sporting shape of the season, but also for the opportunity to limit the financial impact recorded in the first half of the year. The calendarâs final form remains unresolved, however, leaving the business outlook linked to decisions still to come.
Domenicali points to continued momentum
Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the season had delivered competitive racing and compelling storylines, with attendance, audiences and digital impressions all up year-to-date.
He also highlighted the sportâs partnership with Apple, noting that viewership was higher year-on-year and total hours watched had increased by 13%. Domenicali said Formula 1 had continued to build momentum through a 10-year extension in Las Vegas and partnerships with ServusTV and Pirelli.
Despite the financial setback, his message was clear: Formula 1 remains focused on strengthening its foundations with the teams and the FIA while delivering the best possible experience for fans on and off track.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.