The market value of the company behind the global racing championship Formula One has dropped by more than $2 billion since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, highlighting how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to weigh on one of the world’s most popular sports.
Shares of Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, have fallen sharply amid concerns that instability in the region could disrupt several races scheduled on the 2026 calendar.
Stock in Liberty Formula One Group has declined about 10% over the past week, reflecting investor concerns about the championship’s exposure to the Middle East.
The region has become a crucial pillar of the Formula 1 calendar, hosting multiple races each year and attracting major sovereign wealth investments into teams and racing infrastructure.
Despite the recent decline, the sport’s market valuation still exceeds $21 billion, a significant increase since Liberty Media acquired Formula 1 in 2017 for $4.4 billion.
The new Formula 1 season is scheduled to begin this weekend in Melbourne, marking the first of 24 races planned for the 2026 championship.
However, uncertainty surrounds two races scheduled next month in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as regional tensions escalate.
The season is expected to conclude later in the year with races in Qatar and United Arab Emirates, further highlighting the region’s growing importance in Formula 1’s global expansion.
Amid the mounting tensions, the governing body of global motorsport, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has postponed the “Qatar 1812 km” endurance race, which was scheduled to open the 2026 World Endurance Championship later this month.
The decision has added to concerns that escalating geopolitical risks could disrupt sporting events across the region.
The Middle East has played a growing role in Formula 1 over the past two decades. The region hosted its first race in Bahrain in 2004, and today it features four races on the championship calendar.
Follow the latest news on Google News
