Formula 1 continues to grow not only as a sport but also as a lucrative business, with Ferrari leading the pack in terms of team valuation, according to the latest figures from Sportico.
Published on Thursday, the valuation report ranks Ferrari as the most valuable F1 team at $6.4 billion, significantly higher than any other team on the grid. Combined, all ten F1 franchises are now valued at over $34 billion, reflecting the sport’s increasing commercial strength and global appeal.
Interestingly, the average value of an F1 team now surpasses that of a Major League Baseball club. Sportico reports that the average F1 franchise is worth $3.42 billion, compared with $2.82 billion for MLB clubs, putting Formula 1 just behind the NFL and NBA in average franchise value.
The valuation methodology considers multiple factors, including prize money from previous seasons, revenue streams, sponsorship deals, and historical prestige. In 2024, the ten teams shared $1.27 billion in total prize money, up from $1.22 billion the previous year. Teams with consistent top-three finishes over the past decade and historically dominant brands like Ferrari receive additional bonus payments that can reach tens of millions of dollars.
Mercedes ranks second at $5.88 billion, followed by McLaren ($4.73 billion) and Red Bull Racing ($4.32 billion), home to the reigning four-time world champion, Max Verstappen. Even the least valuable team, Haas, is worth $1.68 billion, which is higher than the valuation of some Major League Baseball clubs, including the Milwaukee Brewers ($1.63 billion).
The report highlights how F1’s commercial model, combining sponsorship, media rights, and prize distributions, has created a highly lucrative environment for teams. While Ferrari benefits from historical prestige and a global fan base, teams like Red Bull Racing and Mercedes leverage performance and brand partnerships to maintain high valuations.
Financial analysts note that the growing F1 global audience, expanding digital platforms, and increasing sponsorship deals have contributed to the sport’s rising franchise values. In addition, technical innovation and star drivers continue to play a crucial role in determining a team’s commercial worth.
In short, Formula 1 is not just racing; it is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, and Ferrari remains at the forefront, combining heritage, performance, and commercial clout to maintain its dominance in both the sport and the business arena.