Is the F1 Stock Worth Buying in 2026?

Is the F1 Stock Worth Buying in 2026?

F1 stock refers to shares in Liberty Media Corporation, the media conglomerate that holds the commercial rights to Formula 1. Liberty Media acquired F1 in 2017 for $8 billion, and since then, its value has skyrocketed to $30 billion, reflecting a 275% increase. Investors can purchase FWONA (Series A), FWONK (Series C), or FWONB (Series B) shares, each offering exposure to the financial performance of F1.

F1 operates under a licensing and media rights model, where race promoters pay significant fees to host events, while F1 brokers lucrative media and sponsorship deals. This business model has allowed F1 to evolve into a commercial powerhouse with diverse revenue streams across global markets.

As of January 21, 2026, FWONK (Series C) is trading at $89.50, with an analyst price target of $110.8, indicating a 23.8% potential upside. Over the past 5 years, the stock has delivered a 125.94% return, outperforming the S&P 500.

F1’s Financial Growth: A Look at 2025

The financial performance of F1 in 2025 highlights the sport’s strong growth trajectory:

• In Q3 2025, F1 generated $1.09 billion in revenue, surpassing expectations of $1.04 billion, a 4.8% positive surprise.
• For the year, F1’s total revenue rose 9%, with adjusted operating income increasing by 15%, driven by higher media rights payments, expanded sponsorship deals, and increased race-related promotions.

These results confirm that F1 is on a solid path toward long-term commercial success, driven by growing demand for both live events and media distribution.

F1’s Expanding Global Footprint

One of the key drivers of F1’s success is its ever-expanding global fan base. F1 now boasts over 750 million fans worldwide, which is nearly 10% of the global population. This is especially significant in markets like the United States, where interest in F1 has surged thanks to the success of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series.

In 2025, F1 averaged 85 million viewers per race, across both linear TV and digital platforms. Additionally, F1’s social media presence grew by 30 million followers, reaching a total of 97 million. This makes F1 not only the most popular sports league on social media but also the fastest-growing.

The growing fan engagement has a direct impact on advertising and sponsorship revenue, which are crucial for the sport’s long-term financial health.

Strategic Partnerships Fuel F1’s Growth

Another driving factor behind F1’s increasing value is its strategic partnerships with global brands. One of the biggest deals in 2025 was a $1 billion, 10-year sponsorship agreement with LVMH (owner of Louis Vuitton and TAG Heuer), marking F1’s continued appeal to high-end luxury brands.

Other major sponsors, including DHL, Rolex, and Crypto.com, continue to pour millions into F1, driving 18.6% of F1’s revenue. These sponsorships not only contribute to F1’s financial success but also help raise the sport’s profile, further fueling its expansion.

F1 Partnerships That Impact Stock Prices: The Nu Holdings Example

A recent example of how F1-related partnerships can move stock prices comes from Nu Holdings, a Brazilian fintech company. After announcing a multi-year sponsorship deal with Mercedes F1, Nu’s shares rose by 2.6% in just one afternoon. This increase in stock price highlights the financial impact that F1 sponsorships and partnerships can have.

While Liberty Media’s F1 stock doesn’t always react to individual race results, corporate sponsorships like Nu’s deal with Mercedes can significantly influence investor sentiment and stock performance. If a $1 billion sponsorship deal can cause Nu’s stock to rise, it’s a clear sign that F1-related investments are becoming increasingly valuable in the stock market.

Why Formula One Group Stock Is a Winning Investment

With a $30 billion market cap, growing media rights deals, and expanding sponsorship revenues, F1 is positioning itself as a leading global sports brand. Investors are particularly interested in:

• Sponsorship and Media Rights: As F1 attracts premium sponsors and secures lucrative broadcasting deals, its financial outlook remains strong.
• Team Valuations: The value of F1 teams continues to climb, signaling a thriving commercial ecosystem.
• Global Expansion: F1’s ability to expand in new markets, particularly in the U.S., increases its appeal to investors seeking growth potential.

These factors suggest that F1 stock is an appealing option for those looking for a high-growth sports investment.

Risks and Challenges of Investing in F1 Stock

While F1 stock presents a compelling investment opportunity, it’s important to consider the risks involved:

• Sustained Popularity: F1’s financial success depends on its ability to maintain global fan interest. Any shifts in audience engagement, changes in economic conditions, or new competitors could impact revenue.
• Corporate Structure Complexity: Liberty Media’s complex structure, which includes different classes of tracking stocks (e.g., FWONK), may make it challenging for some investors to fully understand how F1 fits into the broader portfolio.
• Operational Risks: Accidents, injuries, or changes in regulations can disrupt the sport’s events, leading to potential financial consequences.

These risks require investors to conduct thorough research and stay informed about market conditions and regulatory changes before making any investment decisions.

F1 Stock and Race Weekends Moves Prices?

While F1 race weekends like the Qatar Grand Prix generate excitement among fans, they don’t always result in direct movements in F1 stock.

Instead, corporate announcements, new sponsorship deals, and financial updates tend to have a more significant impact on stock prices. Major deals, such as Nu Holdings’ partnership with Mercedes F1, show how F1-related investments can influence stock market performance.

Conclusion

As F1 enters 2026, the sport’s global reach, financial growth, and premium sponsorship deals make it a promising investment. With growing media rights deals, strategic partnerships, and a rising global fan base, F1 stock continues to accelerate.

While race weekends themselves may not directly affect stock prices, the sport’s long-term business growth and corporate decisions make it an appealing investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to a high-growth global sport.