Red Bull vs Mercedes: Which F1 team has earned the most revenue in 2022?

Mercedes and Red Bull were the only two teams to have won any title since 2010.

Red Bull vs Mercedes: Which F1 team has earned the most revenue in 2022?

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Mercedes and Red Bull stand as financial heavyweights in F1, trailing only behind the Ferrari. Valued at a wild $3.8 Billion, the Brackley outfit outshines the Milton Keynes squad, the third richest at $2.6 Billion. Yet, on the track, Red Bull’s recent prowess is over Mercedes, securing consecutive championships. Mercedes on the other hand dominated the sport before them and became reknowned. This brings the question of who seized the checkered flag in the race for 2022’s revenue crown.

Since the beginning of the downforce era in 2022, Red Bull has emerged as a dominant force leaving Mercedes trailing in their wake. Over the last two years, Red Bull has won consecutive championships, securing back-to-back titles. Max Verstappen has been crowned champion in both these seasons. 

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Subsequently, Mercedes has found itself off the pace since 2022, struggling with a conceptual misstep that has hindered their performance. With only one win in the past two years, they face an uphill battle, having finished third last season behind Ferrari. In the current campaign, however, they are determined to challenge for the runners-up spot.

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How much revenue did the constructor champion, Red Bull earn in 2022?

Turning to the financial checkered flag. In 2022, Red Bull’s F1 team, led by Red Bull Technology Ltd, raced to £385.6 million in revenue. This was a mighty 13% leap from the previous year. This amazing performance owed itself to a boosted F1 prize fund, an uptick in sponsorship income, and shrewd cost control. 

Red Bull team celebrating their 2022 championship
Red Bull team celebrating their 2022 championship (Credits: F1)

Oracle’s arrival as a title partner in 2022 injected extra horsepower into their financials. Additionally, Max Verstappen’s championship victory and the team’s 2022 constructors’ title win sped up staff bonuses, though increasing expenses. Despite administrative costs, a £6.2 million FIA fine, and driven by prudent spending and stellar performance, Red Bull’s post-tax profit revved up from £8.6 million to an impressive £13.4 million. 

As reported by Motorsport.com, Red Bull Technology Ltd’s diverse revenue streams, including the powertrain division, generated £184.5 million and £59.4 million. Additionally, ventures into advanced technologies, such as hypercars, hydrogen-powered racing vehicles, and more, accelerated their revenue growth, highlighting Red Bull’s commitment to innovation.

How much revenue did the Mercedes F1 team earn in 2022?

In 2022, the Mercedes Formula 1 team increased their finances, amassing an impressive £474 million in revenue, marking a substantial £91.3 million increase. Sponsors, lured by the team’s championship-winning history, contributed 51% of earnings, while the Formula 1 prize fund, enhanced by a full race schedule, powered up the rest, making up 30% of their income.

Mercedes celebrating their win in 2022 Sao Paulo GP
Mercedes celebrating their win in 2022 Sao Paulo GP (Credits: Essentially Sports)

Mercedes showcased their ability to expand, with 19% of their earnings flowing from sources beyond F1, notably their Applied Science division. They also acted as a supplier, providing gearboxes to teams like Aston Martin and Williams. However, they faced challenges, heavily investing in the W13 project to meet with new regulations and dealing with rising costs due to inflation. With a cost of sales at £350.8 million, their impressive revenue demonstrated how top Formula 1 teams like Mercedes turn speed into success.

In 2022, Red Bull and Mercedes both accelerated financial gains in Formula 1, with Red Bull reaching £385.6 million and Mercedes surging to £474 million. While Red Bull showcased innovation diversifying revenue streams, Mercedes demonstrated resilience amid investments, making it a close race, but Mercedes claimed the revenue lead.

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