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The 2025 Formula 1 season showcased remarkable performances, particularly from the McLaren team, which secured the constructors’ championship ahead of schedule. The championship was clinched in October, and the excitement culminated in a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi. This year also marked the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, featuring numerous captivating moments and impressive statistics.
Fans experienced a total of 24 exhilarating Grand Prix races and six sprint events, contributing to an unforgettable season. Below, we highlight key statistics that defined this historic year.
Key statistics from the 2025 season
One notable aspect of this year’s competition was the consistent number of teams, with ten teams participating, a figure unchanged since 2019. However, the 2026 season is set to introduce new dynamics, as Cadillac is expected to join the grid following a substantial investment of approximately $450 million, covering significant startup costs.
Global presence and diverse participants
This season featured races in 15 countries, with the United States hosting three events, closely followed by Italy with two. The driver pool was diverse, consisting of 21 competitors from 14 nations. The upcoming season will expand this number to 15, as Valtteri Bottas from Finland and Sergio Pérez from Mexico are set to join the grid with Cadillac.
Financial growth stood out, with McLaren Racing experiencing a significant valuation increase over five years. After MSP Sports Capital acquired a minority stake valued at $750 million in December 2025, the team’s worth surged to around $4.5 billion by September 2025. This transformation is attributed to CEO Zak Brown’s efforts in securing lucrative sponsorships and the team’s on-track success, effectively reversing previous financial struggles.
Television viewership and earnings
This season also witnessed a notable increase in viewership. The average number of American viewers across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC surpassed the 1.2 million mark set in 2025. A major shift is anticipated for the 2026 season, as Formula 1 races will transition to Apple TV, following a five-year media rights agreement valued at approximately $140 million per year, a significant increase from the previous contract.
Driver earnings and financial milestones
In individual earnings, Lando Norris from McLaren made headlines with impressive on-track earnings, reportedly amassing around $10 million, including a bonus for winning the drivers’ championship. However, he was outpaced by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who led the financial race with earnings of $70.5 million. Verstappen’s earnings exceeded those of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who received a record-breaking salary of $70 million after his transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Another financial highlight was the substantial severance package reported for Christian Horner after his departure as Red Bull’s team principal in July, reflecting his long-standing success with the team.
Spending caps and economic impact
This season continued the spending cap system, allowing teams to operate within a budget limit set at approximately $135 million, adjusted for inflation and race numbers. This system has significantly altered the financial landscape of Formula 1 since its implementation. For the upcoming season, the cap is projected to rise to $215 million to accommodate further development costs.
The economic impact of Formula 1 extended beyond racing, highlighted by the global box office success of Apple’s F1 movie featuring Brad Pitt, which grossed over $40 million from product placements and sponsorships. Additionally, the fan base for Formula 1 expanded remarkably, boasting a 63% increase since 2018, with attendance at the British Grand Prix reaching a record 500,000 over the weekend.
Valuations of teams and future expectations
Fans experienced a total of 24 exhilarating Grand Prix races and six sprint events, contributing to an unforgettable season. Below, we highlight key statistics that defined this historic year.0
Fans experienced a total of 24 exhilarating Grand Prix races and six sprint events, contributing to an unforgettable season. Below, we highlight key statistics that defined this historic year.1