As Formula 1 prepares to head into a new era, Liberty Media will hand out hundreds of millions to teams based on their championship positions in 2025.
As F1 expands from 10 to 11 teams, the scale and structure of these payments have become increasingly significant.
With each team operating under a strict cost cap, the funding provided by Liberty Media plays a significant role in long-term team development.
It is understood that 45 per cent of F1’s total revenue is distributed directly to the teams.
Each team receives a different amount based on its Constructors’ position from the previous season.
Across the 2025 campaign, the sport generated an estimated $3.7 billion in revenue, creating an estimated prize pool of $1.6 billion.
Of the above figure, 14 per cent of the prize pool goes to the champions, McLaren. Meanwhile, Alpine, which finished the season in last place, will receive six per cent.
How the prize pot is broken down
McLaren’s second successive Constructors’ Championship win has seen the Woking-based squad earn approximately $175 million from this prize pool alone.
In second place was Mercedes, with a two-place climb compared to 2024. The German marque was close behind McLaren, earning an estimated $164 million.
Red Bull retained third place, and similarly to last season, the British outfit earned an estimated $152 million.
Meanwhile, Ferrari endured a drop. Last year’s Constructors’ runners-up slipped to fourth by the end of the 2025 season, reducing its prize fund to $141 million.
Williams was among the biggest movers, though. With Carlos Sainz’s two podium finishes and Alex Albon’s consistent points hauls, the side secured fifth place.
That was enough to bank the Grove-based squad, which has sustained a resurgence under James Vowles’ leadership, an estimated $130 million ahead of 2026.
Behind the top five, Racing Bulls finished sixth with an expected payout of approximately $119 million.
Closely behind was Aston Martin in seventh with an estimated $107 million, while Haas finished eighth and earned around $96 million.
Sauber placed ninth, receiving an estimated $85 million, a solid return despite missing out on the more lucrative midfield positions, as it now morphs into Audi.
At the bottom of the standings was Alpine. Dropping from sixth place in 2024 to last in 2025, the Enstone-based squad is expected to receive around $75 million.
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