The 2025 Formula 1 season has left Ferrari with a heavy financial consequence. The new prize distribution highlights an interesting scenario: despite the Italian team’s poor performance, falling from second to fourth place between 2024 and 2025, the actual monetary loss is somewhat mitigated by the overall increase in the budget.
The Scuderia faced an undeniably disappointing season. Finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship brought Ferrari certain advantages in wind tunnel hours compared to Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren in the first half of 2026. The team has already been working since April on the new car, exploring increasingly extreme technical solutions. But focusing on the financial aspect, here’s how prize values have changed for the teams.
Ferrari loses €10 million despite budget increase
The total prize pool has grown, which meant Ferrari’s actual loss compared to the previous year was limited to just €10 million. The expansion of the “prize pie” benefited all teams, even those who experienced challenging seasons. Alpine, for example, despite finishing last, collected €75 million—more than the €69 million Sauber earned in 2024. The most significant jump was Williams, who, moving from ninth to fifth place, earned €51 million more.
Comparing the two years shows a general increase in prize money. McLaren remains at the top, rising from €161 million to €175 million. Both Mercedes and Red Bull improved their earnings, while Ferrari, despite dropping in the standings, maintained a high income thanks to the larger overall prize pool. Mid-field teams also saw notable progress: Racing Bulls, Haas, and Aston Martin all increased their revenues, reflecting Formula 1’s growing commercial value.
The implications of prize money growth
The rise in prize money demonstrates just how lucrative Formula 1 has become as a global product. Teams can endure tough seasons without facing severe financial collapse, contributing to the stability of the championship. At the same time, the general increase in earnings raises questions about the relationship between sporting results and financial rewards, which do not always align perfectly.
While the expanding prize pool is a positive signal for the health of the sport, it could reduce competitive pressure if sporting results have less impact on earnings. Maintaining this economic growth while preserving the meritocratic essence of competition is crucial. Formula 1 is currently experiencing a period of significant prosperity, and the challenge will be balancing business success with genuine on-track competition.
Leave a Reply