Q1 2025 Liberty Media Corp Earnings Call
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Welcome to Liberty Media Corporations 2025 Q1 Earnings Call.
During the presentation, all participants will be in a listen-only mode. Afterwards, we will conduct a question and answer session.
At that time, if you have a question, please press star 1 on your telephone.
As a reminder, this conference will be recorded May 7th.
I would now like to turn the call over to Shane Kleinstein, Senior Vice President Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Shane Kleinstein: Thank you and good morning. Before we begin, we'd like to remind everyone that this call includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results could differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in the most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, filed by Liberty Media with the SEC.
Speaker Change: Thank you and good morning. Before we begin, we'd like to remind everyone that this call includes certain forward-looking statements within the meeting of the private security litigation reform act of 1995.
Speaker Change: Actual events or results could differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in the most recent forms, 10K and 10Q, filed by Liberty Media with the SEC.
Operator 4: These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this call, and Liberty Media expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. On today's call, we will discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures for Liberty Media, including Adjusted OIBDA. The required definition and reconciliation for Liberty Media, Schedule I, can be found at the beginning and at the end of the earnings press release issued today, which is available on Liberty Media's website. Speaking on the call today, we have Liberty's President and CEO, Derek Chang; Liberty's Chief Accounting and Principal Financial Officer, Brian Wendling; Formula One's President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali; and other members of Liberty Management will be available for Q&A.
Shane Kleinstein: These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this call, and Liberty Media expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. On today's call, we will discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures for Liberty Media, including Adjusted OIBDA. The required definition and reconciliation for Liberty Media, Schedule I, can be found at the beginning and at the end of the earnings press release issued today, which is available on Liberty Media's website. Speaking on the call today, we have Liberty's President and CEO, Derek Chang; Liberty's Chief Accounting and Principal Financial Officer, Brian Wendling; Formula One's President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali; and other members of Liberty Management will be available for Q&A.
Speaker Change: These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this call in Liberty Media expressly described any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media's expectations with regard there to or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Speaker Change: On today's call we will discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures for Liberty Media, including adjusted with that. The required definition and reconciliation for Liberty Media, schedule one can be found at the beginning at the end of the earnings press release issue today, which is available on Liberty Media's website.
Speaker Change: Speaking on the call today, we have Liberty's President and CEO Derek Chang, Liberty's Chief Accounting and Principal Financial Officer Brian Wendling, Formula One's President and CEO of Stafford Dominic Ali, and other members of Liberty Management will be available for Q&A. I'd like to turn the call over to Derek.
Operator 4: I'd like to turn the call over to Derek. Great. Thank you, Shane. Good morning, everyone. It has been a great start to the year at Liberty. Importantly, the priorities we have outlined for 2025 are progressing well. Namely, number 1, we are working towards the close of the Dorna acquisition. 2, continuing our path towards structural simplification. And three, we continue to drive momentum at Formula One. Starting first with the Dorna acquisition. We are progressing with the Phase Two regulatory process and working constructively with the European Commission. We hope to receive approval by the long-stop date of 30 June 2025. MotoGP kicked off 2025 with its first-ever season launch event in Bangkok. The event generated massive buzz, bringing together all 11 teams to showcase MotoGP as a thrilling sport and premium entertainment brand.
Shane Kleinstein: I'd like to turn the call over to Derek.
Derek Chang: Great. Thank you, Shane. Good morning, everyone. It has been a great start to the year at Liberty. Importantly, the priorities we have outlined for 2025 are progressing well. Namely, number 1, we are working towards the close of the Dorna acquisition. 2, continuing our path towards structural simplification. And three, we continue to drive momentum at Formula One. Starting first with the Dorna acquisition. We are progressing with the Phase Two regulatory process and working constructively with the European Commission. We hope to receive approval by the long-stop date of 30 June 2025. MotoGP kicked off 2025 with its first-ever season launch event in Bangkok. The event generated massive buzz, bringing together all 11 teams to showcase MotoGP as a thrilling sport and premium entertainment brand.
Derek Chang: Great. Thank you, Shane. Good morning, everyone. It has been a great start to the year of Liberty. And importantly, the priorities we have outlined for 2025 are progressing well.
Speaker Change: Namely, number one, we are working towards the close of the Dona acquisition.
Speaker Change: to continuing our path towards structural simplification and three we continue to drive momentum at Formula One. Starting first with the Dora acquisition.
Speaker Change: We are progressing with the Phase 2 regulatory process and working constructively with the European Commission. We hope to receive approval by the long-stop date of June 30, 2025.
Speaker Change: MotoGP kicked off 2025 with its first ever season launch event in Bangkok. The event generated massive buzz bringing together all 11 teams to showcase MotoGP as a thrilling sport and premium entertainment brand. MotoGP will host a 22 race calendar in 2025.
Operator 4: MotoGP will host a 22-race calendar in 2025, compared to 20 races last year, which was impacted by race cancellations necessitating 2 replacement races scheduled mid-season. The season is off to a great start with incredible on-track action and growth in attendance across the first 5 races completed to date. The Argentina Grand Prix set a new attendance record for the track with over 200,000 spectators. Thailand's audience attendance was up 15%, and Qatar hosted its largest crowd since 2018, and Jerez saw its highest attendance since 2015 with 24% growth over 2023. Company announced several commercial agreements to start the season, including Pirelli as a new tire supplier starting in 2027 and the extensions of the Barcelona, French, and Valencia GPs through 2031. Our second priority is continuing to progress our structural simplification, including the planned split-off of Liberty Live.
Derek Chang: MotoGP will host a 22-race calendar in 2025, compared to 20 races last year, which was impacted by race cancellations necessitating 2 replacement races scheduled mid-season. The season is off to a great start with incredible on-track action and growth in attendance across the first 5 races completed to date. The Argentina Grand Prix set a new attendance record for the track with over 200,000 spectators. Thailand's audience attendance was up 15%, and Qatar hosted its largest crowd since 2018, and Jerez saw its highest attendance since 2015 with 24% growth over 2023. Company announced several commercial agreements to start the season, including Pirelli as a new tire supplier starting in 2027 and the extensions of the Barcelona, French, and Valencia GPs through 2031. Our second priority is continuing to progress our structural simplification, including the planned split-off of Liberty Live.
Speaker Change: Paired to 20 races last year which was impacted by race cancellations necessitating two replacement races scheduled mid-season.
Speaker Change: The season is off to a great start with incredible on-track action and growth and dependence across the first five races completed to date.
Speaker Change: The Argentina Grand Prix set a new attendance record for the track with over 200,000 spectators.
Thailand's already attendance was up 15%.
and Coda hosted its largest crowds since 2018.
Speaker Change: and are at so highest attended since 2015 with 24% growth over 2023.
Speaker Change: Coupling out several commercial agreements to start the season including Pirelli as a new tire supplier starting in 2027 and the extensions of the Barcelona, French and Valenti of GPs through 2031.
Speaker Change: Our second priority is continuing to progress our structural simplification, including the plans put off of Liberty Live.
Operator 4: Our third priority is continuing to drive momentum at Formula 1. A confluence of excellent racing and commercial momentum is benefiting engagement and financial results in 2025. There are several areas currently in focus worth highlighting. We are seeing continued momentum in sponsorship and licensing to start the year. An excellent showcase was the LEGO partnership last weekend in Miami, where all 10 teams rode in fully drivable LEGO F1 cars for the drivers' parade. The project took over a year to come to life and required 400,000 LEGO bricks per car. It was an amazing collaboration that captivated our fans and the internet, and our drivers loved it. Looking ahead, pulling the sponsorship pipeline forward has allowed our team to focus on 2026 and beyond and emphasize securing blue-chip names aligned with the F1 brand.
Derek Chang: Our third priority is continuing to drive momentum at Formula 1. A confluence of excellent racing and commercial momentum is benefiting engagement and financial results in 2025. There are several areas currently in focus worth highlighting. We are seeing continued momentum in sponsorship and licensing to start the year. An excellent showcase was the LEGO partnership last weekend in Miami, where all 10 teams rode in fully drivable LEGO F1 cars for the drivers' parade. The project took over a year to come to life and required 400,000 LEGO bricks per car. It was an amazing collaboration that captivated our fans and the internet, and our drivers loved it. Looking ahead, pulling the sponsorship pipeline forward has allowed our team to focus on 2026 and beyond and emphasize securing blue-chip names aligned with the F1 brand.
Speaker Change: Our third priority is continuing to drive momentum at Formula One. The consequence of excellent racing and commercial momentum is benefiting engagement and financial results in 2025. There are several areas currently in focus worth highlighting.
Speaker Change: We are seeing continual maintenance sponsorship and licensing to start the year.
Speaker Change: An excellent showcase with the LEGO partnership last weekend in Miami where all 10 teams rode in fully drivable LEGO F1 cars for the driver's parade.
Speaker Change: The project took over a year to come to life and required 400,000 legal bricks per car.
Speaker Change: It was an amazing collaboration that captivated our fans and the internet and our drivers loves it.
Speaker Change: Looking ahead, pulling the sponsorship pipeline forward has allowed our team to focus on 2026 and beyond, and emphasize secure and blue-chip names aligned with the F1 brand. The appeal and breadth of the F1 brand are uniquely resonating with sponsors across B2B and consumer brands alike.
Operator 4: The appeal and breadth of the F1 brand are uniquely resonating with sponsors across B2B and consumer brands alike. Second, we are focusing on improving LVGP standalone economics and maximizing the overall benefit to the F1 ecosystem. Tickets went on sale in early April, and volumes are trending ahead of this time last year. Lower initial ticket prices are driving momentum, which we expect will drive greater sell-through. With the first two years having demonstrated clear benefits to the wider Vegas ecosystem, we are engaged in encouraging discussions with key local stakeholders to ensure their support and best position the event for future growth. Finally, our current U.S. media rights agreement concludes at the end of 2025, and we are in active and productive discussions for a new deal.
Derek Chang: The appeal and breadth of the F1 brand are uniquely resonating with sponsors across B2B and consumer brands alike. Second, we are focusing on improving LVGP standalone economics and maximizing the overall benefit to the F1 ecosystem. Tickets went on sale in early April, and volumes are trending ahead of this time last year. Lower initial ticket prices are driving momentum, which we expect will drive greater sell-through. With the first two years having demonstrated clear benefits to the wider Vegas ecosystem, we are engaged in encouraging discussions with key local stakeholders to ensure their support and best position the event for future growth. Finally, our current U.S. media rights agreement concludes at the end of 2025, and we are in active and productive discussions for a new deal.
Speaker Change: Second, we are focusing on improving LVGP standalone economics and maximizing the overall benefit to the F1 ecosystem.
Speaker Change: Dickets went on sale on early April and volumes are trending ahead of this time last year.
Speaker Change: Lower initial ticket prices are driving momentum which we expect will drive greater
Speaker Change: With the first two years having demonstrated clear benefits to the wider Vegas ecosystem, we are engaged in encouraging discussions with key local stakeholders to ensure their support and best position in the event for future growth.
Speaker Change: Finally, our current US media rights agreement concludes at the end of 2025.
Speaker Change: And we are an active and productive discussion for a new deal. S1 is a strong product for broadcasters with solid growth in the U.S., including the season, and an attractive demographic with one-third of viewers under 835, females representing 42% of the fans.
Operator 4: F1 is a strong product for broadcasters with solid growth in the U.S., including this season, and an attractive demographic with 1/3 of viewers under age 35, females representing 42% of the fans. We remain focused on finding the right partner to continue to innovate on broadcast offerings and sustain our momentum in the U.S. While it's early in the year, performance to date is strong. The contractual nature of Formula One's cash flow provides high visibility into our business performance for the next several years and will be especially important in this macroeconomic climate. As of 31 March, Formula One had $14.2 billion of future revenue secured under contract. Advanced ticket sales for our promoters and hospitality tickets for the remainder of the season remain strong. We continue to actively monitor changes in consumer sentiment, though historically, Formula One's business model has proven resilient in times of economic uncertainty.
Derek Chang: F1 is a strong product for broadcasters with solid growth in the U.S., including this season, and an attractive demographic with 1/3 of viewers under age 35, females representing 42% of the fans. We remain focused on finding the right partner to continue to innovate on broadcast offerings and sustain our momentum in the U.S. While it's early in the year, performance to date is strong. The contractual nature of Formula One's cash flow provides high visibility into our business performance for the next several years and will be especially important in this macroeconomic climate. As of 31 March, Formula One had $14.2 billion of future revenue secured under contract. Advanced ticket sales for our promoters and hospitality tickets for the remainder of the season remain strong. We continue to actively monitor changes in consumer sentiment, though historically, Formula One's business model has proven resilient in times of economic uncertainty.
Speaker Change: We remain focused on finding the right partner to continue to innovate on broadcast offerings and sustain on momentum in the US.
Speaker Change: Whilst early in the year performance today is strong, the contractual nature of that Formula One cash flow provides high visibility into our business performance for the next several years, and will be especially important in this macro economic climate.
Speaker Change: As of March 31, Formula One had $14.2 billion dollars of future revenue secured under contract.
Speaker Change: Advanced ticket sales for our promoters and hospitality tickets for the remainder of this season remain strong. We continue to actively monitor changes in consumer sentiment, but historically Formula One's business model has proven resilient in times of economic uncertainty.
Operator 4: We are encouraged by the strength of the business and look forward to completing the rest of an exciting season. Now I'll turn it over to Brian for more on Liberty's financial results. Thanks, Derek, and good morning, everyone. At quarter-end, Formula One Group had attributable cash and liquid investments of $2.8 billion, which includes $1.5 billion of cash at F1 and $69 million of cash at Quint. Total Formula One Group attributable principal amount of debt was $2.9 billion at quarter-end, which includes $2.4 billion of debt at F1, leaving $526 million at the corporate level. F1's $500 million revolvers undrawn, and their leverage at 3.3x was 1.2 times. As a reminder, all MotoGP transaction-related financing is in place and deal contingent.
Derek Chang: We are encouraged by the strength of the business and look forward to completing the rest of an exciting season. Now I'll turn it over to Brian for more on Liberty's financial results.
Speaker Change: We are encouraged by the strength of the business and look forward to completing the rest of an exciting season.
Brian Wendling: Thanks, Derek, and good morning, everyone. At quarter-end, Formula One Group had attributable cash and liquid investments of $2.8 billion, which includes $1.5 billion of cash at F1 and $69 million of cash at Quint. Total Formula One Group attributable principal amount of debt was $2.9 billion at quarter-end, which includes $2.4 billion of debt at F1, leaving $526 million at the corporate level. F1's $500 million revolvers undrawn, and their leverage at 3.3x was 1.2 times. As a reminder, all MotoGP transaction-related financing is in place and deal contingent.
Speaker Change: Now, I'll turn it over to Brian from Warren, Liberty's Financial Results. Thanks, Derek, and good morning, everyone. At quarter-end, Formula One Group had a trivited cash and liquid investments of $2.8 billion, which includes $1.5 billion of cash at F1 and $69 million of cash at Quint.
Speaker Change: Total Formula One group attributed principal amount of debt was 2.9 billion a quarter end, which includes 2.4 billion of debt at F1, leaving 526 million at the corporate level.
Speaker Change: F-1's $500 million revolvers on Drawn and their leverage at $331 was 1.2 times.
Speaker Change: As a reminder, all mode of GP transaction-related financing is in place and deal contingent.
Operator 4: Turning to the Formula One business, I'll make brief comments on the quarterly results, though as we all know, the business is best analyzed on an annual basis given variability in the year-over-year race calendar and timing of events. Note that every quarter in 2025 will have incomparable race count and mix, which will impact year-over-year comparisons of quarterly results throughout the year. Most of the variability in year-over-year results is due to the 2 races held in Q1 2025 compared to 3 races in Q1 2024. Race promotion revenue decreased due to the mix of races, with Australia and China occurring in the current period compared to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia in the prior year. Media rights and sponsorship declined as only 2/24s of projected season-based revenue was recognized compared to 3/24s last year.
Brian Wendling: Turning to the Formula One business, I'll make brief comments on the quarterly results, though as we all know, the business is best analyzed on an annual basis given variability in the year-over-year race calendar and timing of events. Note that every quarter in 2025 will have incomparable race count and mix, which will impact year-over-year comparisons of quarterly results throughout the year. Most of the variability in year-over-year results is due to the 2 races held in Q1 2025 compared to 3 races in Q1 2024. Race promotion revenue decreased due to the mix of races, with Australia and China occurring in the current period compared to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia in the prior year. Media rights and sponsorship declined as only 2/24s of projected season-based revenue was recognized compared to 3/24s last year.
Speaker Change: Turning to the Formula One business, I'll make brief comments on the quarterly results. Though, as we all know, the business is best analyzed on an annual basis given variability in the year over your race calendar and timing of events.
Speaker Change: Note that every quarter in 2025 will have incomparable race count and mix which will impact year-over-year comparisons of quarterly results throughout the year.
Speaker Change: Most of the variability in year-over-year results is due to the two races held in Q-1 2025 compared to three races in Q-1 2024.
Speaker Change: Race promotion revenue decreased due to the mix of races with Australia and China occurring in the current period compared to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia in the prior year.
Speaker Change: Media rights and sponsorship declined as only 224 projected season-based revenue was recognized compared to 324's last year.
Operator 4: Sponsorship is also impacted by the calendar shift as the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain races both have race-specific local title sponsorships, and recognition of that race-specific revenue shifted with the timing of those races. However, the decline in sponsorship revenue was largely offset by strong underlying growth from new and renewed deals impacting 2025. Media rights revenue is benefiting from contractual increases in rights fees and continued growth in F1 TV, benefiting from the launch of the new premium subscription tier. Other revenue declined during Q1 as a result of one less Paddock Club event and the mix of races held. Adjusted OIBDA declined alongside revenue during the quarter, driven by the calendar variance.
Brian Wendling: Sponsorship is also impacted by the calendar shift as the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain races both have race-specific local title sponsorships, and recognition of that race-specific revenue shifted with the timing of those races. However, the decline in sponsorship revenue was largely offset by strong underlying growth from new and renewed deals impacting 2025. Media rights revenue is benefiting from contractual increases in rights fees and continued growth in F1 TV, benefiting from the launch of the new premium subscription tier. Other revenue declined during Q1 as a result of one less Paddock Club event and the mix of races held. Adjusted OIBDA declined alongside revenue during the quarter, driven by the calendar variance.
Speaker Change: Sponsorship is also impacted by the calendar shift as the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain races both have race-specific local title sponsorships and recognition of that race-specific revenue shifted with the timing of those races.
Speaker Change: However, the decline in sponsorship revenue was largely offset by strong underlying growth from new and renewed deals impacting 2025.
Speaker Change: Media rights revenues benefiting from contractual increases in rights fees and continued growth in F1 TV, benefiting from the launch of the new premium subscriptions here.
Speaker Change: Other revenue decline during the first quarter as a result of one last paddock club event in the mix of races held.
Speaker Change: Adjusted weapon had declined alongside revenue during the quarter driven by the counterbearance.
Operator 4: Other costs of F1 revenue increased due to higher freight costs with longer routes flown and increased commissions and partner servicing costs servicing the overall primary F1 revenue growth, as well as higher costs for Grand Prix Plaza due to more activity compared to Q1 2024. On a full-year basis, we expect other costs of F1 revenue to be consistent with prior years as a percentage of total revenue. SG&A increased in the first quarter due to marketing costs associated with the season launch event at the O2, and should be viewed as a percentage of total revenue for the full year. Team payments decreased in the first quarter due to the lower pro rata recognition, with one less race held, partially offset by the expectation of higher full-year team payments.
Brian Wendling: Other costs of F1 revenue increased due to higher freight costs with longer routes flown and increased commissions and partner servicing costs servicing the overall primary F1 revenue growth, as well as higher costs for Grand Prix Plaza due to more activity compared to Q1 2024. On a full-year basis, we expect other costs of F1 revenue to be consistent with prior years as a percentage of total revenue. SG&A increased in the first quarter due to marketing costs associated with the season launch event at the O2, and should be viewed as a percentage of total revenue for the full year. Team payments decreased in the first quarter due to the lower pro rata recognition, with one less race held, partially offset by the expectation of higher full-year team payments.
Speaker Change: Other costs of F-1 revenue increase due to higher freight costs with longer revs flown and increased commissions and partner servicing costs servicing the overall primary F-1 revenue growth as well as higher costs for Grand Prix Closet due to more activity compared to Q-1 2020-04
Speaker Change: On a point-your-basis we expect other costs of F1 revenue to be consistent with prior years as a percentage of total revenue.
Speaker Change: SGNA increased in the first quarter due to marketing costs associated with the season launch event at the O2 and should be viewed as a percentage of total revenue for the full year.
Speaker Change: Team Payments decreased in the first quarter due to the lower pro-rata recognition with one less race held partially offset by the expectation of higher full-year team payments.
Operator 4: As a reminder that team payments as a percent of pre-team adjusted OIBDA was 61.5% in 2024, and we expect that percentage to continue to come down as we complete the term of the current Concorde Agreement at the end of 2025. In connection with all 10 teams signing the 2026 Concorde Agreement, Formula One paid a total of $50 million to the teams in Q1. This cost is excluded from adjusted OIBDA and presented separately from team payments. Although revenue and adjusted OIBDA were lower year-over-year due to the calendar variance, we are seeing a strong financial start to the year and are tracking well against our internal plan. Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas officially opened its new year-round activations on 2 May.
Brian Wendling: As a reminder that team payments as a percent of pre-team adjusted OIBDA was 61.5% in 2024, and we expect that percentage to continue to come down as we complete the term of the current Concorde Agreement at the end of 2025. In connection with all 10 teams signing the 2026 Concorde Agreement, Formula One paid a total of $50 million to the teams in Q1. This cost is excluded from adjusted OIBDA and presented separately from team payments. Although revenue and adjusted OIBDA were lower year-over-year due to the calendar variance, we are seeing a strong financial start to the year and are tracking well against our internal plan. Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas officially opened its new year-round activations on 2 May.
Speaker Change: As a reminder, a reminder that Team Payments is a percent of pre-team-adjusted Waibata was 61.5 in 2024, and we expect that percentage to continue to come down as we complete the term of the Carrot Concord Agreement at the end of 2025.
Speaker Change: In connection with all 10 teams signing the 2026 Concord Commercial Agreement, Formula One paid a total of 50 million to the teams in the first quarter. This cost is excluded from adjusted to wipe it in presented separately from team payments.
Speaker Change: Although Revenue and Adjusted Widow were lower year-over-year due to the calendar variance, we are seeing strong, a strong financial start to the year and are tracking well against our internal plan.
Operator 4: Revenue from these activations will be recognized at the F1 Opco level, though we expect results will have a modest impact in 2025 as we scale that business. The vast majority of the CapEx required to build out Grand Prix Plaza activations was incurred in the first quarter. Total F1 CapEx was approximately $33 million year to date, including slightly less than $20 million incurred related to GPP. Looking briefly at corporate and other results in the first quarter, revenue was $53 million, which includes Quint results and approximately $6 million of rental income related to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza. Corporate and other adjusted OIBDA loss was $12 million and includes Grand Prix Plaza rental income, Quint results, and corporate expenses. Reminder that Quint's business is seasonal, with the largest and most profitable events taking place in Q2 and Q4.
Brian Wendling: Revenue from these activations will be recognized at the F1 Opco level, though we expect results will have a modest impact in 2025 as we scale that business. The vast majority of the CapEx required to build out Grand Prix Plaza activations was incurred in the first quarter. Total F1 CapEx was approximately $33 million year to date, including slightly less than $20 million incurred related to GPP. Looking briefly at corporate and other results in the first quarter, revenue was $53 million, which includes Quint results and approximately $6 million of rental income related to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza. Corporate and other adjusted OIBDA loss was $12 million and includes Grand Prix Plaza rental income, Quint results, and corporate expenses. Reminder that Quint's business is seasonal, with the largest and most profitable events taking place in Q2 and Q4.
Speaker Change: The vast majority of the CAPEX required to build up Grand Prix Plaza activations was incurred in the first quarter. Total up 1.5 CAPEX was approximately 33 million year today, including slightly less than 20 million incurred related to GPP.
Speaker Change: Looking briefly at corporate and other results in the first quarter, revenue was 53 million, which includes quit results in approximately 6 million rental income related to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza.
Speaker Change: Corporate Another Adjusted Oiver Loss was 12 million and includes Grand Prix Plaza rental income, winter results, and corporate expenses.
Speaker Change: Reminder that Quince Business is seasonal with the largest and most profitable events taking place in Q2 and Q4. Q1 has modest event activity while still incurring ordinary course operating expenses.
Operator 4: Q1 has modest event activity while still incurring ordinary course operating expenses. Quickly turning to the Liberty Live Group, there is attributed cash of $314 million and $400 million of undrawn margin loan capacity relating to our Live Nation margin loan. As of 6 May, the value of our Live Nation stock held at Liberty Live Group was $9.3 billion. We have $1.15 billion in principal amount of debt against these holdings. Liberty and F1 are in compliance with their debt covenants at quarter-end. With that, I'll turn the call over to Stefano to discuss Formula One. Thanks, Brian. Formula One is off to a great start in 2025. We are six races into the season and continue to see exciting on-track action. The wins have been spread across teams, and the racing is tighter than expected. While early in the season, we expect the action to continue.
Brian Wendling: Q1 has modest event activity while still incurring ordinary course operating expenses. Quickly turning to the Liberty Live Group, there is attributed cash of $314 million and $400 million of undrawn margin loan capacity relating to our Live Nation margin loan. As of 6 May, the value of our Live Nation stock held at Liberty Live Group was $9.3 billion. We have $1.15 billion in principal amount of debt against these holdings. Liberty and F1 are in compliance with their debt covenants at quarter-end. With that, I'll turn the call over to Stefano to discuss Formula One.
Speaker Change: Quickly turning to Liberty Live Group, there is a tribute to cash of 314 million and 400 million of undrawn marginal capacity relating to our live nation, Margin Home.
Speaker Change: As of May 6th, the value of our live nation's stock held a Liberty Live Group was 9.3 billion. We have 1.5 billion in principle amount of debt against these holdings.
Speaker Change: Liberty and F1 are your compliance with your deck covenants at quarter-ent. With that, I'll turn the call over to Stefano to discuss Formula One.
Stefano Domenicali: Thanks, Brian. Formula One is off to a great start in 2025. We are six races into the season and continue to see exciting on-track action. The wins have been spread across teams, and the racing is tighter than expected. While early in the season, we expect the action to continue.
Stefano Domenicali: Thanks Brian , Formula One is opt to a great start in 2025.
Stefano Domenicali: We are six raises into the season and continue to see exciting on track action.
Stefano Domenicali: The winds have been spread across the teams and the race is tighter than expected.
Stefano Domenicali: While earning the season, we expect the action to continue. The strong contractor, FOMAS, has fueled fat engagement.
Operator 4: The strong on-track performance has fueled fan engagement. Attendance is up over last year with sellout crowds on nearly all races to date. We reached a new record crowd for the Australian Grand Prix with an outstanding 465,000 weekend attendees. Demands for the balance of the year are strong as well. Mexico sold out in a matter of hours for the 10th year in a row, and Montreal again experienced strong demand with the majority of their 2024 guests returning in 2025. Demand for hospitality products also remained high. Season to date, we sold over 12,000 tickets at our Paddock Club, and we are seeing strong advance sales across the remainder of the season. We remain focused on opportunities to increase capacity and are working on alternative and innovative hospitality products where demand outstrips supply.
Stefano Domenicali: The strong on-track performance has fueled fan engagement. Attendance is up over last year with sellout crowds on nearly all races to date. We reached a new record crowd for the Australian Grand Prix with an outstanding 465,000 weekend attendees. Demands for the balance of the year are strong as well. Mexico sold out in a matter of hours for the 10th year in a row, and Montreal again experienced strong demand with the majority of their 2024 guests returning in 2025. Demand for hospitality products also remained high. Season to date, we sold over 12,000 tickets at our Paddock Club, and we are seeing strong advance sales across the remainder of the season. We remain focused on opportunities to increase capacity and are working on alternative and innovative hospitality products where demand outstrips supply.
Stefano Domenicali: Antendices is up over last year with sell-out crowds and nearly all races to date. We've reached a new record crowd for the Australian robbery with an outstanding 465,000 weekend attendees.
Stefano Domenicali: The man's, for the balance of the year, is strong as well. Mexico sold out in a matter of hours for the attendees in the row, and Montreal again experienced strong demand with the majority of their 2020 forecast returning to 25.
Stefano Domenicali: The man for hospitality products also remain high. Season 2 date, we sold over 12,000 tickets at the Padao Tower Pada Club, and we have seen strong advanced sales across the remainder of the season.
Stefano Domenicali: We remain focused on opportunities to increase capacity and are working on alternative and innovative hospitality products where the men outstrips supply.
Operator 4: Turning to viewership statistics, across our top 50 markets, live TV viewership grew for the first 5 races of the season. We had over 60 million cumulative linear TV viewers for the opening Grand Prix weekend in Australia. The US, in particular, has seen strong growth, with ESPN viewership up 45% across the first 5 races. The Australian Grand Prix was the most viewed edition of the race ever for the US audience. Other markets with notable linear viewership growth include Brazil, France, and Australia. Highlights viewership on F1 YouTube channel has increased by 31% compared to last year, emphasizing the significance and growth in our digital channels as fans find new ways to engage with our footage on and off the track. Social media followers have now reached 100 million, growing 30% year-over-year. The first quarter growth was particularly driven by Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Stefano Domenicali: Turning to viewership statistics, across our top 50 markets, live TV viewership grew for the first 5 races of the season. We had over 60 million cumulative linear TV viewers for the opening Grand Prix weekend in Australia. The US, in particular, has seen strong growth, with ESPN viewership up 45% across the first 5 races. The Australian Grand Prix was the most viewed edition of the race ever for the US audience. Other markets with notable linear viewership growth include Brazil, France, and Australia. Highlights viewership on F1 YouTube channel has increased by 31% compared to last year, emphasizing the significance and growth in our digital channels as fans find new ways to engage with our footage on and off the track. Social media followers have now reached 100 million, growing 30% year-over-year. The first quarter growth was particularly driven by Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Stefano Domenicali: Turning to viewership statistics across our top 50 markets like the viewership grew for the first five races of the season.
Stefano Domenicali: We had over 60 million cumulative linear TV viewers for the opening, Grand Prix Weekend in Australia. The US in particular has seen strong growth, with ESPN viewership up 45% across the first
Stefano Domenicali: The Australian grumpy was the most viewed edition of the race ever for the US audience.
Stefano Domenicali: Other markets with notable linear viewership growth include Brazil, France and Australia.
Stefano Domenicali: Highlights viewership on F1 YouTube channel has increased by 31% compared to last year. Infasized with the significance and growth in our digital channels has fans, finds new ways to engage with our footage on and off the track.
Stefano Domenicali: Social Media followers have now reached 100 million, growing 30% year-over-year.
Stefano Domenicali: The first quarter growth was particularly driven by Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Operator 4: Looking more broadly, Nielsen released new fan data in March showing the continuous surge in F1 fandom, with our total fan base as of year-end over 826 million, adding nearly 90 million new fans in 2024. These engagement figures are not just numbers. They represent the growing global appeal and genuine engagement with our sport and validate our initiatives to enhance F1 for our fans. The strong engagement figures are part of a broader picture of commercial success. What I'm pleased to report, we continue to have strong momentum. On race promotion, we are working toward finalizing our 2026 calendar. We were excited to announce renewal of our Mexico race through 2028 and Miami through 2041, the longest contract currently secured and a statement to our success in the U.S. market. The vast majority of our races are now secured under medium and long-term contracts.
Stefano Domenicali: Looking more broadly, Nielsen released new fan data in March showing the continuous surge in F1 fandom, with our total fan base as of year-end over 826 million, adding nearly 90 million new fans in 2024. These engagement figures are not just numbers. They represent the growing global appeal and genuine engagement with our sport and validate our initiatives to enhance F1 for our fans. The strong engagement figures are part of a broader picture of commercial success. What I'm pleased to report, we continue to have strong momentum. On race promotion, we are working toward finalizing our 2026 calendar. We were excited to announce renewal of our Mexico race through 2028 and Miami through 2041, the longest contract currently secured and a statement to our success in the U.S. market. The vast majority of our races are now secured under medium and long-term contracts.
Stefano Domenicali: Looking more broadly, Nilsen released new fan data in March, showing the continuous search in F1 fandom. With our total fan base as of year and over 826 million, adding nearly 90 million new fans in 2024.
Stefano Domenicali: These engagement figures have not just numbers. They represent the growing global appeal and genuine engagement with our sport and validate our initiatives to enhance F1 for our fans.
Stefano Domenicali: The strong engagement figures are part of a broader picture of commercial success. When I'm pleased to report, we continue to have strong momentum.
Stefano Domenicali: On Race Promotion, we are working to work finalizing our 26 calendar.
Stefano Domenicali: We were excited to announce renewal of our Mexico race through 2028 and Miami through 2041. The longest count of currently secured and a statement to our success in the US market.
Stefano Domenicali: The vast majority of our races have now secured under medium and long term conflicts.
Operator 4: Demands from potential new race hosts remain robust, and we are evaluating various opportunities for the future. The Netherlands will host their final race in 2026, and Spa will race in alternate years from 2027, leaving an opening on the calendar in 2028. Tickets for Las Vegas went on sale 9 April, featuring new ticket pricing and offerings. Tickets now start at $50 for a single-day general admission and $400 for a three-day general admission in Flamingo Zone, and we communicated to fans that the price will not be going down from their initial on sale, helping to drive urgency and momentum in sale. To date, we are very pleased that our sale velocity in Vegas is meaningfully outpacing last year. Our media rights business continues to demonstrate the growing competition for our key sports rights.
Stefano Domenicali: Demands from potential new race hosts remain robust, and we are evaluating various opportunities for the future. The Netherlands will host their final race in 2026, and Spa will race in alternate years from 2027, leaving an opening on the calendar in 2028. Tickets for Las Vegas went on sale 9 April, featuring new ticket pricing and offerings. Tickets now start at $50 for a single-day general admission and $400 for a three-day general admission in Flamingo Zone, and we communicated to fans that the price will not be going down from their initial on sale, helping to drive urgency and momentum in sale. To date, we are very pleased that our sale velocity in Vegas is meaningfully outpacing last year. Our media rights business continues to demonstrate the growing competition for our key sports rights.
The man's from potential neurases host remains robust.
Stefano Domenicali: and we are evaluating values of opportunities for the future. The Netherlands will host their final race in 2036 and as part we race in alternative years from 2027, leaving an opening on the calendar in 2028.
Stefano Domenicali: Tickets for Las Vegas went off sale April 9th, featuring new ticket pricing and offerings.
Stefano Domenicali: Tickets now start at $50 for a single-day general admission and $400 for three-day general admission in Flamingo Zone and we've communicated to fans that the prize will not be going down from their initial own sale, helping to drive urgency and momentum in sale.
Stefano Domenicali: To date, we are very pleased that our city velocity in Vegas is meaningful outpacing last year.
Stefano Domenicali: Our MediaRide business continues to demonstrate the growing competition for Maki's port rights. F1TV Subscriber growth continues to be robust. We total subscriber up 4% year over year, led by the US market up 20%.
Operator 4: F1 TV subscriber growth continues to be robust, with total subscribers up 4% year-over-year, led by the US market up 20%. The launch of our new F1 TV premium tier has outperformed expectations, especially in key markets like the US. We are in active and positive discussion for our US media rights with multiple partners and look forward to sharing updates once final. Of course, there's more content to watch than just the race. Additional series like Formula 2 and Formula 3, the Sprint, and F1 Academy are providing broadcasters with more content and value. Viewership for Sprint races consistently shows strong year-over-year growth, with the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix seeing over 1 million viewers for the live broadcast on CCTV in China and viewership doubling in Italy as Lewis Hamilton celebrated his maiden win for Ferrari.
Stefano Domenicali: F1 TV subscriber growth continues to be robust, with total subscribers up 4% year-over-year, led by the US market up 20%. The launch of our new F1 TV premium tier has outperformed expectations, especially in key markets like the US. We are in active and positive discussion for our US media rights with multiple partners and look forward to sharing updates once final. Of course, there's more content to watch than just the race. Additional series like Formula 2 and Formula 3, the Sprint, and F1 Academy are providing broadcasters with more content and value. Viewership for Sprint races consistently shows strong year-over-year growth, with the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix seeing over 1 million viewers for the live broadcast on CCTV in China and viewership doubling in Italy as Lewis Hamilton celebrated his maiden win for Ferrari.
Stefano Domenicali: The launch of our new F1 TV Premium tier has our performance expectation, especially in the UK market like the U.S.
Stefano Domenicali: We are in active and positive discussion for our US media rights with multiple partners and look forward to sharing updates once final.
Stefano Domenicali: Of course, there's more content to watch than just a race. Additional series like Formula 2 and Formula 3, the Spirit and F1 Academy, I provide in broadcaster with more content than value.
Stefano Domenicali: Viewership for spring raises consistently shows strong year-over-year growth. With a sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix, seen over one million viewers for the live broadcasts on CCTV in China, and viewership doubly in Italy as Lewis Hamilton celebrated his maiden
Operator 4: Outside of the race weekend, Drive to Survive Season 7 reached Netflix Global Top 10 for another year and appeared in the Top 10 list across 39 countries. The F1 Academy docuseries with Oz Sanchez is going live on Netflix on 28 May. The Apple Movie announcement, its premiere date on 16 June, with the film soundtrack and film merchandising released just last weekend in Miami. On the sponsorship front, we entered the year with high visibility for 2025 and a strong pipeline for additional growth potential. Recent new deal announcements include Barilla pasta as an official partner and BWC as our official consulting partner. As part of the BWC agreement, they will provide strategic consulting to our global business to help enhance our performance and drive operational efficiency and excellence.
Stefano Domenicali: Outside of the race weekend, Drive to Survive Season 7 reached Netflix Global Top 10 for another year and appeared in the Top 10 list across 39 countries. The F1 Academy docuseries with Oz Sanchez is going live on Netflix on 28 May. The Apple Movie announcement, its premiere date on 16 June, with the film soundtrack and film merchandising released just last weekend in Miami. On the sponsorship front, we entered the year with high visibility for 2025 and a strong pipeline for additional growth potential. Recent new deal announcements include Barilla pasta as an official partner and BWC as our official consulting partner. As part of the BWC agreement, they will provide strategic consulting to our global business to help enhance our performance and drive operational efficiency and excellence.
Stefano Domenicali: Outside of the race weekend, dry to survive season 7 reached Netflix Global Top 10 for another year and appeared in the Top 10 list across 39 countries.
Stefano Domenicali: On the sponsorship front, we enter the year with high visibility for 2025 and a strong pipeline for additional growth potential.
Stefano Domenicali: Recent new deal announcement include Barila Pasta, as an official partner, and BWC as our official consultant partner. As part of the BWC agreement, they will provide strategic consulting to our global business to help enhance our performance and drive operational efficiency and excellence.
Operator 4: Our team continues to focus on both 2025 and 2026 pipeline, with progress being made on a number of high-value renewals and new partnerships. Licensing continues to be an area of focus and growth. Our new licensed partner, LEGO, has seen high demand for its F1 products, selling on average one piece of LEGO every second in the month of March. We saw an exciting activation in Miami, where all the drivers took part in the regular drivers' parade in fully drivable LEGO cars. On the experiential licensing front, F1 Arcade continues to expand to new locations. The Boston and Washington, DC, venues both held sold-out watch parties for the Australian Grand Prix to kick off the season. A new arcade is opening in Philadelphia on 29 May, with Denver, Las Vegas, and Chicago opening in Q4.
Stefano Domenicali: Our team continues to focus on both 2025 and 2026 pipeline, with progress being made on a number of high-value renewals and new partnerships. Licensing continues to be an area of focus and growth. Our new licensed partner, LEGO, has seen high demand for its F1 products, selling on average one piece of LEGO every second in the month of March. We saw an exciting activation in Miami, where all the drivers took part in the regular drivers' parade in fully drivable LEGO cars. On the experiential licensing front, F1 Arcade continues to expand to new locations. The Boston and Washington, DC, venues both held sold-out watch parties for the Australian Grand Prix to kick off the season. A new arcade is opening in Philadelphia on 29 May, with Denver, Las Vegas, and Chicago opening in Q4.
Stefano Domenicali: Our team continues to focus on both 25 and 26 pipeline with progress being made on a number of high value renewals and new partnership.
Stefano Domenicali: Licensing continues to be a net of focus and growth. Our new license partner LEGO has seen high demand for its F1 products selling on average our one piece of LEGO every second in the month of March.
Stefano Domenicali: We saw an exciting activation in Miami where all the drivers took part in the regular drivers parade in fully drivable LEGO cars.
Stefano Domenicali: On the experiential license in front, a former Kate continues to expand to new location.
Stefano Domenicali: The Boston and Washington D.C. venues will hold held sold out watch party for their thrilling group re to kick off the season and your kid is opening Philadelphia May 29th. September Las Vegas Chicago opening in the fourth quarter.
Operator 4: The F1 Exhibition has sold more than 530,000 tickets in the last 12 months. Buenos Aires opened on 22 March and sold over 40,000 tickets in its first month. Amsterdam opened in April with 45,000 tickets sold in advance on its first day. In March, we held a launch event for new activation experiences at the Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas, which opened to the public last week. The venue now offers an opportunity to immerse fans in F1 year-round and provides the Las Vegas community with a new fun and engaging daytime activity center. Grand Prix Plaza features an F1-inspired karting experience, incorporating part of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, an immersive F1 exhibit, the latest F1 racing simulator, a fast casual eatery, a retail store, and three private event spaces.
Stefano Domenicali: The F1 Exhibition has sold more than 530,000 tickets in the last 12 months. Buenos Aires opened on 22 March and sold over 40,000 tickets in its first month. Amsterdam opened in April with 45,000 tickets sold in advance on its first day. In March, we held a launch event for new activation experiences at the Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas, which opened to the public last week. The venue now offers an opportunity to immerse fans in F1 year-round and provides the Las Vegas community with a new fun and engaging daytime activity center. Grand Prix Plaza features an F1-inspired karting experience, incorporating part of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, an immersive F1 exhibit, the latest F1 racing simulator, a fast casual eatery, a retail store, and three private event spaces.
Stefano Domenicali: If one exhibition has sold more than 530,000 tickets in the last 12 months, when those ads are open on March 22nd and sold over 40,000 tickets in its first month. Amsterdam opened in April with the 45,000 tickets sold in advance on its first day.
Stefano Domenicali: In March, we held a launch event for new activation experiences at the Grand Prix Paris in Las Vegas, which opened to the public last week.
Stefano Domenicali: The venue now offers an opportunity to immerse fans in F1E around and provide the Las Vegas community with a new fun and engaging day time activity center.
Stefano Domenicali: Grand Prix Plaza feature an F1's part carton experience in cooperating part of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. An immersive F1 exhibit, the latest F1 racing simulator, a fast casual iterity, a retail store and three private event spaces.
Operator 4: These activations are set to operate through Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the year annually, generating revenue from the site when it is not required for the Grand Prix. On Formula One's sustainability effort, I'm proud to say that we recently issued a report on our progress from the 2024 season, with a full impact report due to be published later this year. We made significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel, 90% of our promoters improved fan access and travel options, and 100% of promoters work with local community organizations on programs targeting the next generation. In addition, from 2026, the F1 cars will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel, a technology that is becoming increasingly important for the automotive sector as countries look for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transportation.
Stefano Domenicali: These activations are set to operate through Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the year annually, generating revenue from the site when it is not required for the Grand Prix. On Formula One's sustainability effort, I'm proud to say that we recently issued a report on our progress from the 2024 season, with a full impact report due to be published later this year. We made significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel, 90% of our promoters improved fan access and travel options, and 100% of promoters work with local community organizations on programs targeting the next generation. In addition, from 2026, the F1 cars will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel, a technology that is becoming increasingly important for the automotive sector as countries look for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transportation.
Stefano Domenicali: These activations are set to operate through the first three quarters of the year annually. Generative revenue from the site when it is not required for the grumpy.
Stefano Domenicali: On former One Sustainability Effort, I'm proud to say that we recently issued a report on our progress from the 2024 season with a full impact report due to this published later this year.
Stefano Domenicali: We made significant investment in sustainable aviation fuel, 90% of our promoters improved fan access and travel option, and 100% of promoters worked with local community organization on programs targeting the next generation.
Stefano Domenicali: In addition, from 2026, the F1 cars will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel, a technology that is becoming increasingly important for the automated sector as country looked for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emission from road transportation.
Operator 4: A recent power unit manufacturer meeting held in Bahrain demonstrated a clear commitment to the Plan 2026 engine regulation and maximizing the success of those new rules, with all parties working together to ensure the best racing for the championship. We expect all the F1 teams to start shifting their focus to the 2026 engine as the season progresses. Looking forward, while we are early in our 2025 calendar, we already have an eye toward 2026. We have agreed the basis on which Cadillac will enter the championship in 2026. We have also agreed to a new Concorde commercial agreement with the teams for 2026 through 2030 and are making good progress on the governance term.
Stefano Domenicali: A recent power unit manufacturer meeting held in Bahrain demonstrated a clear commitment to the Plan 2026 engine regulation and maximizing the success of those new rules, with all parties working together to ensure the best racing for the championship. We expect all the F1 teams to start shifting their focus to the 2026 engine as the season progresses. Looking forward, while we are early in our 2025 calendar, we already have an eye toward 2026. We have agreed the basis on which Cadillac will enter the championship in 2026. We have also agreed to a new Concorde commercial agreement with the teams for 2026 through 2030 and are making good progress on the governance term.
Stefano Domenicali: A recent power-earning manufacturing meeting held in Bahrain demonstrated a clear commitment to the plan 2026 engine regulation and maximized the success of those new roles with all parties working together to ensure the best rates for the championship.
Stefano Domenicali: We expect all the F1 teams to start shifting their focus to the 2026 engine as the season progresses.
Stefano Domenicali: Looking forward, while we are early in an hour 25 calendar, we already have an eye toward 26.
Speaker Change: We have agreed the basis on which Cadillac will enter the championship in 26th
Speaker Change: We have also greeted to a new Concord commercial agreement with the teams who, 2026, through 2030, and are making good progress on the governor's term.
Operator 4: Both the commercial and proposed governance terms are financially attractive for the entire F1 ecosystem and represent the collaboration and partnership we have built with the FIA, F1 teams, with the shared goal of growing F1 for our mutual benefit. In closing, we are very pleased with our start 2025 season. Our strong on-track performance, growing fan base, and robust financial results position us well to deliver an excellent 2025 and beyond. Avanti tutta, full speed ahead. And now I will turn the call back over to Derek. Thank you. Ciao. Thank you, Stefano, and Brian. Very quick note and exciting news. Please save the date for this year's Liberty Media Investor Day. Changing things up this year, Investor Day will be held alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday, 20 November, in Las Vegas.
Stefano Domenicali: Both the commercial and proposed governance terms are financially attractive for the entire F1 ecosystem and represent the collaboration and partnership we have built with the FIA, F1 teams, with the shared goal of growing F1 for our mutual benefit. In closing, we are very pleased with our start 2025 season. Our strong on-track performance, growing fan base, and robust financial results position us well to deliver an excellent 2025 and beyond. Avanti tutta, full speed ahead. And now I will turn the call back over to Derek. Thank you. Ciao.
Speaker Change: Both the commercial and proposed governance terms are financially attractive for the entire F1 ecosystem. A representative collaboration and partnership we have built with the FIA, F1 teams with the shared goal of growing F1 for our mutual benefit.
In closing...
Speaker Change: We are very pleased with our start 2025 season our strong contract performance growing fan base and robust financial results position as well to deliver an excellent 2025 and beyond
Full speed ahead!
Derek Chang: Full speed ahead and now I will turn the call back over to Derek. Thank you. Ciao.
Derek Chang: Thank you, Stefano, and Brian. Very quick note and exciting news. Please save the date for this year's Liberty Media Investor Day. Changing things up this year, Investor Day will be held alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday, 20 November, in Las Vegas.
Thank you, Stefan, I would Brian .
Derek Chang: Very quick note and exciting news. Please say the date for this year's Liberty Media Investor Day. Changing things up this year, a better day will be held alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday, November 20 in Las Vegas.
Operator 4: We will have more details to share in due course and look forward to seeing many of you there. We appreciate your continued interest in Liberty Media, and now I'd like to open the call for questions. Operator. Thank you. We will now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. Our first question today is from Stefan Lacek of Goldman Sachs. Please proceed with your question. Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the questions.
Derek Chang: We will have more details to share in due course and look forward to seeing many of you there. We appreciate your continued interest in Liberty Media, and now I'd like to open the call for questions. Operator.
Derek Chang: We will have more details to share and do course and look forward to seeing many of you there. We appreciate your continued interest in Liberty Media and now I'd like to open the call for questions. Operator?
Operator: Thank you. We will now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. Our first question today is from Stefan Lacek of Goldman Sachs. Please proceed with your question.
Derek Chang: Thank you. We will now be conducting a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue.
Derek Chang: For participants using speaker equipment it may be necessary to pick up your hands that before pressing the star keys.
Derek Chang: Our first question today is from Stephen Lasick of Goldman Sachs. Please proceed with your question.
Stephen Laszczyk: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the questions.
Operator 4: Maybe to start just on team payments and the budget for the year, Brian, curious if you could talk a little bit more about how the team payment budget is structured for the year and if there were opportunities for upside in that budget in terms of what you pay the teams, what some of the larger opportunities out there could be over the course of 2025 as you execute against them and reach the potential of what you think this business could produce this year? Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for the question. It's the beginning of the year, and as we've talked about in the past, there's always prudent financial forecasting at the beginning of the year.
Stephen Laszczyk: Maybe to start just on team payments and the budget for the year, Brian, curious if you could talk a little bit more about how the team payment budget is structured for the year and if there were opportunities for upside in that budget in terms of what you pay the teams, what some of the larger opportunities out there could be over the course of 2025 as you execute against them and reach the potential of what you think this business could produce this year?
Thank you.
Speaker Change: Hey guys thanks for taking the questions. Maybe to start just on team payments and the budget for the year. Brian curious if you could talk a little bit more about how the team payment budget is structured for the year. And if there were opportunities for upside in that budget.
Speaker Change: In terms of what you pay the teams, what's some of the larger opportunities out there could be over the course of 2025 as you execute against them and and and reach the potential of what you think this business could produce this year.
Brian Wendling: Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for the question. It's the beginning of the year, and as we've talked about in the past, there's always prudent financial forecasting at the beginning of the year.
Yeah, thank you. Thank you for the question.
Speaker Change: You know it's the beginning of the year and as we've talked about in the past there's always prudent financial forecasting at the beginning of the year.
Operator 4: We do think that there's opportunities for upside, but we want to be conservative in thinking about the variables that we have out there, which are the Las Vegas Grand Prix towards the end of the year, and then sponsorship. Everything else is contracted. And as you've seen in the past and we've talked about in recent quarters, the company's moving away from large go-gets and sponsorship in the current year and focusing on future years. Are there still opportunities? Yes, there's probably some opportunities there, but the biggest unknown will ultimately be ticket sales, which you've heard are trending well currently. That's great. Thanks for that. And then maybe just a follow-up on the sponsorship business. It sounds like there's still some focus on bringing in sponsors or renewing in 2025.
Brian Wendling: We do think that there's opportunities for upside, but we want to be conservative in thinking about the variables that we have out there, which are the Las Vegas Grand Prix towards the end of the year, and then sponsorship. Everything else is contracted. And as you've seen in the past and we've talked about in recent quarters, the company's moving away from large go-gets and sponsorship in the current year and focusing on future years. Are there still opportunities? Yes, there's probably some opportunities there, but the biggest unknown will ultimately be ticket sales, which you've heard are trending well currently. That's great.
Speaker Change: You know, we do think that there's opportunities for upside but you know, we want to be conservative and thinking about.
Speaker Change: The variables that we have out there which are the Las Vegas Grand Prix towards the end of the year and then sponsorship. Everything else is contracted and as you've seen in the past and we've talked about in recent quarters.
Speaker Change: You know, the companies moving away from large go-gits and sponsorship in the current year and focusing on future years. Are there still opportunities? Yes, there's probably some opportunities there, but the biggest unknown will ultimately be ticket sales which you've heard are trending well currently.
Stephen Laszczyk: Thanks for that. And then maybe just a follow-up on the sponsorship business. It sounds like there's still some focus on bringing in sponsors or renewing in 2025.
Speaker Change: That's great. Thanks for that. And then maybe just a follow up on the sponsorship business. It sounds like there's still some focus on bringing in sponsors renewing in 25. We'd be curious if you could just comment on what those are and to what extent those good could still move the needle. And then I guess as we look out into 26. It sounds like your attention focus there as well. Longer cell cycles in the sponsorship side is something you've been focused on just curious if you could give us an early read early look into the 26 sponsorship funnel on to the extent you think.
Operator 4: We'd be curious if you could just comment on what those are and to what extent those could still move the needle. And then I guess as we look out into 2026, it sounds like your attention is focused there as well, longer sales cycles on the sponsorship side is something you've been focused on. Just curious if you could give us an early read or early look into the 2026 sponsorship funnel and to the extent you think that could grow off of 2025, what the bands of outcome could potentially look like on that. Thank you. I'll turn it over to Stefano. I'll get into that too. Yeah. Thanks, Stefan, for the question. Okay. Go ahead, Stefano. Thank you.
Stephen Laszczyk: We'd be curious if you could just comment on what those are and to what extent those could still move the needle. And then I guess as we look out into 2026, it sounds like your attention is focused there as well, longer sales cycles on the sponsorship side is something you've been focused on. Just curious if you could give us an early read or early look into the 2026 sponsorship funnel and to the extent you think that could grow off of 2025, what the bands of outcome could potentially look like on that. Thank you.
Speaker Change: I think I could grow off of 25, what the bands of outcome could potentially look like on that. Thank you.
Brian Wendling: I'll turn it over to Stefano.
Stefano Domenicali: I'll get into that too.
I'll just, I'll turn it over to Stem and get in the way we did that to
Brian Wendling: Yeah.
Stefano Domenicali: Thanks, Stefan, for the question.
Speaker Change: Yeah, thank you very much. Thank you for the question.
Brian Wendling: Okay. Go ahead, Stefano.
Stefano Domenicali: Thank you.
Okay.
Go ahead, Stevenham.
Operator 4: I mean, I think that we have proven in the last couple of years that our strategy with regard to the sponsorship is quite solid. The main focus is for sure to maximize our revenues, but we need to make sure that the partners that we have are stronger at investing with us, with our experiential world. We have a strong pipeline, and what we have said already and is confirmed to be here is the quality over quantity and a very, very genuine activation with our partnership because this is crucial in this moment where we want to make sure that our platform is what really our sponsor wants. And the evolution between the structure of our partnership between global, official, regional, and technical is getting stronger and stronger.
Stefano Domenicali: I mean, I think that we have proven in the last couple of years that our strategy with regard to the sponsorship is quite solid. The main focus is for sure to maximize our revenues, but we need to make sure that the partners that we have are stronger at investing with us, with our experiential world. We have a strong pipeline, and what we have said already and is confirmed to be here is the quality over quantity and a very, very genuine activation with our partnership because this is crucial in this moment where we want to make sure that our platform is what really our sponsor wants. And the evolution between the structure of our partnership between global, official, regional, and technical is getting stronger and stronger.
Stefano Domenicali: Thank you. I mean, I think that we have proven in the last couple of years that our strategy would have gotten to the sponge sheet is quite solid.
Stefano Domenicali: The main focus is for sure to maximize our revenues, but we need to make sure that the partners that we have are stronger are invested with us with our experience of world.
Stefano Domenicali: You know, we have a strong pipeline and that what we have said already and is conferred to be here is the quality over quantity and very, very genuine active activation with our practice because you know, this is crucial in this moment where we want to make sure that our platform is what really our sponsor wants.
Stefano Domenicali: And the evolution between the structure of our partnership between global official regional and technical is getting stronger and stronger. So the focus is definitely to see if we have seen some opportunities 25. But the big one is keep going on in the next couple of years and it just reminds to all of us where we were just the four or five years ago. And now what we are today that is still a long way to go and we are very optimistic on the subject will continue to grow back.
Operator 4: So the focus is definitely to see if we have some opportunities in 2025, but the big one is keep going on in the next couple of years. It just reminds all of us where we were just four or five years ago and now what we have today. There is still a long way to go, and we are very optimistic on the fact that we will continue to grow that as a revenue stream and also as a potential awareness increase through them, through our partners of our products. Thanks, Stefano. This is Derek. I'd just like to add. I've been able to have the opportunity to spend some time with Stefano at the track over the last couple of races.
Stefano Domenicali: So the focus is definitely to see if we have some opportunities in 2025, but the big one is keep going on in the next couple of years. It just reminds all of us where we were just four or five years ago and now what we have today. There is still a long way to go, and we are very optimistic on the fact that we will continue to grow that as a revenue stream and also as a potential awareness increase through them, through our partners of our products.
Stefano Domenicali: as a revenue stream and also as a potential a world is increased through them to our partners of our products.
Derek Chang: Thanks, Stefano. This is Derek. I'd just like to add. I've been able to have the opportunity to spend some time with Stefano at the track over the last couple of races.
Stefano Domenicali: Thanks, Stephanie. This is Derek. I just like to add, you know, I've been able to have the opportunity to spend some time
Stefano Domenicali: with stuff to know at the track of the last couple races and speaking to both sort of current sponsors
Operator 4: And in speaking to both sort of current sponsors as well as potential sponsors, I don't think I've been in a situation where I've seen this sort of energy and excitement around the possibilities to engage with the sport, to engage with F1. Normally, well, not normally, but in some of my other experiences having been around major sports leagues and such, you kind of are always in a bit more of a balanced state where you've got guys coming in and guys going out here. It feels like, for the most part, the energy is up, and it's great to see. And look, it goes obviously beyond F1, but to the entire sport, and you see what the teams themselves are doing, and they themselves are also expanding their sponsor bases, which is great.
Derek Chang: And in speaking to both sort of current sponsors as well as potential sponsors, I don't think I've been in a situation where I've seen this sort of energy and excitement around the possibilities to engage with the sport, to engage with F1. Normally, well, not normally, but in some of my other experiences having been around major sports leagues and such, you kind of are always in a bit more of a balanced state where you've got guys coming in and guys going out here. It feels like, for the most part, the energy is up, and it's great to see. And look, it goes obviously beyond F1, but to the entire sport, and you see what the teams themselves are doing, and they themselves are also expanding their sponsor bases, which is great.
Stefano Domenicali: as well as potential sponsors. I don't think I've been in a situation where I've seen this sort of
Stefano Domenicali: energy and excitement around the possibilities to engage with the sport to engage with F1.
Stefano Domenicali: normally not normally but it and some of my other experiences having been around you know major sports leagues and such you kind of are always in a bit more of a balanced state where you've got guys coming in and guys going out here
Stefano Domenicali: It feels like, for the most part, the energy is up, and it's great to see. And look, it goes obviously beyond S1, but to the entire sport, you see what the teams themselves are doing.
Stefano Domenicali: and they themselves are also expanding their sponsor bases, which is great. I spent some time with Zach Brown last week, probably is one of the more prolific marketers in the panic, and he was telling me about his plans to sell the underside of his shoe. So we'll see that happens.
Operator 4: I spent some time with Zak Brown last week, probably is one of the more prolific marketers in the paddock, and he was telling me about his plans to sell the underside of his shoe. So we'll see that happens. That's great. Thank you all. The next question is from Ben Swinburne of Morgan Stanley. Please proceed with your question. Thanks. Good morning.
Derek Chang: I spent some time with Zak Brown last week, probably is one of the more prolific marketers in the paddock, and he was telling me about his plans to sell the underside of his shoe. So we'll see that happens.
Stephen Laszczyk: That's great. Thank you all.
Operator: The next question is from Ben Swinburne of Morgan Stanley. Please proceed with your question.
That's great. Thank you all.
Bye-bye.
[inaudible]
Speaker Change: The next question is from Ben Swinburn of Morgan Stanley . Please proceed with your question.
Benjamin Swinburne: Thanks. Good morning.
Operator 4: I don't know if Stefano or Derek, I don't know if either of you want to take this or which one wants to take it, but on the media rights process in the US, I mean, one of the things that I think has happened for the business is F1 TV has been growing really nicely for a number of years, and it sounds like, particularly in the US, and I'm just wondering how you think about that as an asset or a chip to play, so to speak, in your US media rights deal. Are you open to bundling that in a broader agreement with potentially a streaming partner? Do you think that business now is so large and sort of differentiated that you want to keep it as a standalone product?
Benjamin Swinburne: I don't know if Stefano or Derek, I don't know if either of you want to take this or which one wants to take it, but on the media rights process in the US, I mean, one of the things that I think has happened for the business is F1 TV has been growing really nicely for a number of years, and it sounds like, particularly in the US, and I'm just wondering how you think about that as an asset or a chip to play, so to speak, in your US media rights deal. Are you open to bundling that in a broader agreement with potentially a streaming partner? Do you think that business now is so large and sort of differentiated that you want to keep it as a standalone product?
Thanks. Good morning.
Speaker Change: I don't know if you want to take this or which one will take it but on on the media rights process in the US and one of the things that I think has happened for the business is f1tv
Speaker Change: has been growing really nicely for a number of years and it sounds like in particularly in the US and I'm just wondering how you think about that
Speaker Change: As an asset or chip to play so to speak in your US media rights deal are you open to bundling that in a broader agreement you know with tension streaming partner do you think that business now is so large
Speaker Change: and so differentiated that you want to keep it as a standalone product
Operator 4: Then I don't know if I couldn't tell if the Concorde Agreement is finalized enough, but I thought I'd ask Brian, are you able to tell us whether or not you expect any team payment leverage to take place in the 2026 through 2030 time frame? Any color given some of the previous comments over the last few earnings calls on the topic would be helpful. Thanks so much. Stefano, why don't you go ahead and start? Yeah. Well, I mean, thanks, Ben, for the question. I mean, on media rights, first of all, it's always interesting to see the speculation that are going around with regard to moments where there were optimistic, negative comments, and so on.
Benjamin Swinburne: Then I don't know if I couldn't tell if the Concorde Agreement is finalized enough, but I thought I'd ask Brian, are you able to tell us whether or not you expect any team payment leverage to take place in the 2026 through 2030 time frame? Any color given some of the previous comments over the last few earnings calls on the topic would be helpful. Thanks so much.
Speaker Change: And then I don't know if I couldn't tell if the concrete agreement is finalized enough, but I think that as Brian
Speaker Change: Are you able to tell us whether or not you expect any teen payment leverage to take place in the 26-30 time frame? Any color given? In some of the previous comments, we will ask you earnings calls on the topic that the helpful looks so much.
Brian Wendling: Stefano, why don't you go ahead and start?
Step on one knee to hand start.
Stefano Domenicali: Yeah. Well, I mean, thanks, Ben, for the question. I mean, on media rights, first of all, it's always interesting to see the speculation that are going around with regard to moments where there were optimistic, negative comments, and so on.
Speaker Change: Yeah, I mean thanks thanks Ben for the question. I mean I'll maybe write first of all that is always interesting to see the speculation are going around in regard to moments where they were optimistic negative comments and so on. But from that, I would say we can back from this weekend in Miami. Really with with with with with with with with with the fact.
Operator 4: But apart from that, I would say we came back from this weekend in Miami really with a fact that we are engaging with multiple partners, and there is a lot of potential interest from many of them on which we need to hammer down because we have the time to do it with a proper proposal. As you were correctly saying, F1 TV product is growing, and it's very, very positive, and the feedback, mainly in the US, is very, very strong. And therefore, we need to make sure that this asset is right and very valuable. Therefore, we are open to any kind of possible discussion depending on what will be the end and what we believe is the right way to make sure that we keep the penetration of the market as high as possible and making sure that we can monetize out of it.
Stefano Domenicali: But apart from that, I would say we came back from this weekend in Miami really with a fact that we are engaging with multiple partners, and there is a lot of potential interest from many of them on which we need to hammer down because we have the time to do it with a proper proposal. As you were correctly saying, F1 TV product is growing, and it's very, very positive, and the feedback, mainly in the US, is very, very strong. And therefore, we need to make sure that this asset is right and very valuable. Therefore, we are open to any kind of possible discussion depending on what will be the end and what we believe is the right way to make sure that we keep the penetration of the market as high as possible and making sure that we can monetize out of it.
that we are engaging with the multiple partners.
Speaker Change: And there is a lot of potential interest from many of them or which we need to hammer down because we have the time to do it with the proper with the proper with the proper proposal. As you were as you were correctly saying, you know, F1 TV product is growing and it's very, very positive and the feedback mainly in US is very, very strong. And therefore, we need to make sure that this is asset is right and very valuable.
Speaker Change: Therefore, we are open to any kind of possible discussion depending what will be the end and what we believe is the right way to make sure that we keep the penetration on the market as high as possible and make sure that we can monetize out of it.
Operator 4: But the dynamics are very positive, so we keep working with them, and I think that the next month will be crucial to see really where we're going to be. But we come back from Miami, as I said at the beginning, Ben, with very good and positive vibes because I think the US audience figure in Miami that were very, very strong shows the potential that we have. And I'm sure that the media partners understand that for a possible asset, also for them to develop another sport business together. Derek, you want to end up on that? Yeah. I'd like to. This is Derek. Following up on what Stefano just said, we are having good conversations with potential partners on the US media rights deal. I think what's been sort of interesting here is the sport itself continues to grow.
Stefano Domenicali: But the dynamics are very positive, so we keep working with them, and I think that the next month will be crucial to see really where we're going to be. But we come back from Miami, as I said at the beginning, Ben, with very good and positive vibes because I think the US audience figure in Miami that were very, very strong shows the potential that we have. And I'm sure that the media partners understand that for a possible asset, also for them to develop another sport business together. Derek, you want to end up on that?
Speaker Change: But the dynamics are very positive, so we keep working on with them. And I think that the next month will be crucial to see where we're going to be. But we come back from Miami, as I said at the beginning, Ben, with a very good and positive vibes, because I think the US audience figured in Miami that we're very, very strong shows the potential that we have. And I'm sure that the media partners understand that for a possible asset, also for them to develop another sport business together.
Derek Chang: Yeah. I'd like to. This is Derek. Following up on what Stefano just said, we are having good conversations with potential partners on the US media rights deal. I think what's been sort of interesting here is the sport itself continues to grow.
and there you will try to talk to them that.
Speaker Change: Yeah, I'd like to, this is Derek, you know, filing up on what Stefano just said. You know, we are having good conversations with potential partners on the U.S. media rights deal. I think what's been.
Speaker Change: Sort of interesting here is um the sport itself continues to grow as Stefano mentioned and in particularly in the US the Stefano mentioned in his comments earlier you know viewership across the weekend is up sort of 45%
Operator 4: As Stefano mentioned, and particularly in the US, as Stefano mentioned in his comments earlier, viewership across the weekend is up sort of 45% year-over-year. I think F1 TV's growth is up 20% here in the US. I think the overall health of the business continues to resonate. And what that means, I think, putting aside even this year and this renewal negotiation, but I think what that means for the long term is pretty significant. I still think we're in the early stages of growth for F1 in the US. And having the take-up of F1 TV be what it is in the US at this early stage, I think speaks volumes about the passion for the sport and I think puts us in a great position well into the future.
Derek Chang: As Stefano mentioned, and particularly in the US, as Stefano mentioned in his comments earlier, viewership across the weekend is up sort of 45% year-over-year. I think F1 TV's growth is up 20% here in the US. I think the overall health of the business continues to resonate. And what that means, I think, putting aside even this year and this renewal negotiation, but I think what that means for the long term is pretty significant. I still think we're in the early stages of growth for F1 in the US. And having the take-up of F1 TV be what it is in the US at this early stage, I think speaks volumes about the passion for the sport and I think puts us in a great position well into the future.
Speaker Change: year over year. I think that one TV's growth is up 20% here in the U.S. I think the overall health of the business continues to resonate. And what that means I think, I think it's [inaudible]
Speaker Change: Renewable negotiation, but I think what that means for the long term is pretty significant. I still think we're in the early stages of growth for F1 in the US.
and having...
Speaker Change: The passion for the sport and I think puts us in a great position well into the future. When you zoom back in and think about how you balance F1 TV and a broader media rights deal. Look, we will see how things play out. We will see what partners want in their deals and we will see what makes the most sense for F1 in terms of balancing.
Operator 4: When you zoom back in and think about how you balance F1 TV and a broader media rights deal, look, we will see how things play out. We will see what partners want in their deals, and we will see what makes the most sense for F1 in terms of balancing things like reach, but also having products like this for ourselves so that we can actually understand our customers as well as we can because it goes beyond sort of what we're delivering to them on the content side, but what also we can deliver the most engaged fans across the board in terms of engaging with F1.
Derek Chang: When you zoom back in and think about how you balance F1 TV and a broader media rights deal, look, we will see how things play out. We will see what partners want in their deals, and we will see what makes the most sense for F1 in terms of balancing things like reach, but also having products like this for ourselves so that we can actually understand our customers as well as we can because it goes beyond sort of what we're delivering to them on the content side, but what also we can deliver the most engaged fans across the board in terms of engaging with F1.
Speaker Change: Things like Reach, but also having products like this for ourselves.
Speaker Change: So that we can actually understand our customers as well. We can because it goes beyond sort of what we're delivering to them on the content side.
Speaker Change: But also we can deliver the most engaged fans across the board in terms of engaging with that one. So I think that the answer here for my standpoint is we actually see sort of a different way this can go play out, but underneath it all, underlying it all is.
Operator 4: So I think that the answer here from my standpoint is we actually see sort of a ton of different ways this can go, play out, but underneath it all or underlying it all is extremely strong demand for F1 and the engagement from the fans here in the US, which is great to see. And.
Derek Chang: So I think that the answer here from my standpoint is we actually see sort of a ton of different ways this can go, play out, but underneath it all or underlying it all is extremely strong demand for F1 and the engagement from the fans here in the US, which is great to see. And.
Speaker Change: It's extremely strong demand for F1 and the engagement from the plans here in the US, which is great to see.
I'd been on your your second question.
Speaker Change: on the 26th commercial agreement, Concord Commercial Agreement, we do expect leverage in
versus where we finish.
Speaker Change: The full year of 2025 and then going forward we expect a more simplified structure that benefits all the parties in the ecosystem.
Thanks so much.
Speaker Change: The next question is from Cutgun Moral of Evercore ISI. Please proceed with your question.
Kurt Gunn-Murau: Good morning. I think we're taking a question. I just want to ask about MotoGP and I think it's encouraging that we're getting closer to regulatory approval there.
Speaker Change: Now that maybe there's a bit more clarity on getting that deal done. You could talk a little bit about if anything's changed since the deal was initially announced in terms of the broader opportunity that you see a edge with Moto. Thanks.
Thanks, everybody.
This is Derek, I'll take this one.
Speaker Change: Obviously, the deal is not done until it's done and we continue to work with the European Commission to get to the finish line here and are hopeful that we won't do so. I think from our perspective, we continue to see
Speaker Change: outside in in MotoGP and are probably you know just a bullish if not we're having spent more time with them are at the time that we are allowed to spend with them and look I think with any of these premium sports assets
Speaker Change: The trick is, is how you take these and make them sort of mainstream entertainment assets. And you've seen us do that with Formula One. You've seen this happen across multiple of other sports.
Speaker Change: And I think there is that opportunity here and as soon as the deal closes we will be actively engaged with management at MotoGP to start executing on that plan.
Thank you.
Speaker Change: The next question comes from Peter Sapino of Wolf Research. Please proceed with your question.
Peter Cepino: Hi, good morning and thanks. A question on sponsorship and one back to the media right now on sponsorship
Bye.
50% fewer races
so far you're leering.
So of course sponsorship revenue
has that headroom then yet. [inaudible]
Peter Cepino: It looks largely offset by growth from new sponsors, and so we're wondering
Peter Cepino: Maybe this is too simplistic, but does that imply that sponsorship growth must have been close to 50% on an underlying basis suggested for races, as we think about modeling the year. Is that a useful number and then.
on the media rights.
Peter Cepino: We're of the opinion that the media rights are sort of uniquely misunderstood because
Peter Cepino: The race times mean that the casual fan struggles to engage
Peter Cepino: with the live broadcast and so maybe the nonlinear format of streaming could really expand access for casual fans and of course the media rights don't have any advertising and so I wonder if you could comment on both of those opportunities for the media rights. Thank you.
Stephano, do you want to start on the media rights?
[inaudible]
Yeah.
Speaker Change: Thanks, Derek. I mean, I can start definitely with the media. I think that is definitely very important to recognize one thing and that it is clear in our in our in our situation where we saw the growth in our on all our social platform. We so definitely the interest of the young generation to access to our content to YouTube or other form of engagement.
Speaker Change: of the fact that our faculty can get more engaged with us.
We'll have the chance to connect.
Speaker Change: You know, with the right process is really the key for our strategy and our decision.
Speaker Change: And I think that what we need to make sure that because now we have different type of positive fans
Speaker Change: They need to have the possibility to engage through different options that we need to offer to them.
Speaker Change: That's the biggest strategic thing that we want to put in place.
Speaker Change: And of course, data is relevant to the partner, but we need to choose and work together into the future.
Speaker Change: It's relevant because we see the dynamics of the different of course of course if we see well we are in Europe in Europe we have a long term deal with our broadcast that will enable us to understand what would be the evolution on that market and we know that is a different situation that we need to monitor all around the world but in a nutshell I think that our strategy will fit with the right partner that will be part of us.
in the value to the knowledge of our sport.
Speaker Change: This is what I can say on the media side, on the sportsmanship side.
Speaker Change: If I may, Peter, I think that the relevance of what we're doing is is to provide the quality and the numbers that we put in place every year. That means that as correctly that I was saying before, you know, the part that are working together with us before one are really different from B to B opportunity to consumer and we are offering an incredible opportunity of engagement that I would say without being disrespectful that our platform is becoming [inaudible]
Speaker Change: is really very, very relevant. And this is the reason why we feel very, very positive and strong with our future, even the next couple of years.
Derek Chang: Thanks, Stephanie. I was there. Peter, that's a, you know, that's a, you're coming about, if one being unique, I agree with that. I think that we are uniquely professional. I think when you, again, think about
Derek Chang: Media right in this day and age it's not about sort of just what's happening on race day for the for the you know I want to have two hours of the race. It's what's happening over the entire weekend.
Derek Chang: It's also sort of the way different demographics will engage with the property and that's what we are focused on is continuing to deliver.
Derek Chang: not just sort of the content of the race or even the practices and the qualifying but other content around the sport but also delivering it across multiple platforms.
Derek Chang: So that there are multiple ways that of any age or any demographic of any interest.
Derek Chang: can engage with the sport because as soon as as I mentioned earlier on on MotoGT as soon as you're sort of a broad based entertainment product
Derek Chang: You know, you have to recognize that and you have to be able to touch all those people and all those fans. I like Brian finish up on this. Yeah, just just add on under the sponsorship side Peter. We're not going to give you a specific number in terms of.
Derek Chang: of that but what I would encourage is patience because when you get to Q2 on a
Derek Chang: You have 11 races, year-to-date. There will be the exact same races. You should get a really good feel for the trend in sponsorship. But there's lots of...
Derek Chang: There's different revenue recognition aspects to full-year sponsorship that impact it. There's the calendar change. There's new sponsors. There's contract up lists.
Derek Chang: You know, lost contracts from last year that rolled off, so there's lots of different things in there that make it more complex than how you described it.
Give us some cute jokes.
Speaker Change: The next question is from Stephen Cahill of Wells Fargo. Please proceed with your question.
Stephen Cahill: Thank you, Brian . Thank you for the guidance on other costs of revenue. Just thinking about that guidance, so I think you said it's going to be consistent with prior years as a percentage of revenue. I think most of us think revenue is going to be up sort of a high single digit this year. I think that's an acceleration in other costs versus what you saw last year. So I was wondering if you could just help us understand what in that. Is that due to labor? Is that the Las Vegas Grand Plaza or something else? And then congratulations on the on the new Concordia Green.
Stephen Cahill: I'm wondering how it contemplates continued focus on competitive balance and if there's anything in the new agreement that might help start to improve the structure of some of the second tier teams, you know, eventually moving up into more competition with the top tier teams. Thank you.
Yeah, I'll start with other costs.
Stephen Cahill: So on a on a full year basis, you know, there's going to be there's going to be items that increase we always see that we have increased partner servicing and commission costs.
Stephen Cahill: That support the overall revenue growth of the business that are in there. You have some increased GPP costs as we start the year round activations. Obviously those will be all set by the revenue that is being generated there.
Stephen Cahill: Otherwise, you know, those are kind of the big things that you would expect and as we've talked about in the past, you know, we continue to focus on the growth of the business and so there's growth initiatives that are in there as well to drive future revenue growth in the upcoming years.
That's right. You are talking about the conqueror.
Stephanie: Yeah, I mean, thanks Stephen. I think that as you know for us is essential to make sure that the growth of the sport is done in an organic way and a way that we can take on mainly three.
Stephanie: My bullet points. The first one on the sporting site to make sure that the teams can be competitive. We need to make sure that the regulation is done in a way that if there is gaps performance, there is the chance for everyone to recover that.
Stephanie: I think that we have seen already the massive importance of the budget cap or the cost cap as given the possibilities to the team to understand the level of performance from the technical perspective that it can be through the money that they have.
Stephanie: On the other side, point on the two, you know, it's the financial.
Stephanie: And we see definitely that the healthy system allow through also conquered and other spaces that are becoming important for the teams. We have a solid team that wants to stay and be even stronger and be competitive for the future.
Stephanie: Her point is the awareness that the sport is living is bringing interest money to all the ecosystem that will regenerate the possibility of these organic growth through what we are doing. And therefore, I think that what we have done with a fair and balanced approach to Congress is just brought the right approach and the right settings.
Stephanie: for a very very healthy ecosystem that will be there for the future in the next couple of years will be characterized by these kind of elements.
Thank you.
Speaker Change: The next question is from Ryan Gravitt of UBS. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker Change: Great, thanks. I'm curious if you can give us an update on our renewal discussions are progressing for some of your non-US media rights. I believe there are some deals coming up in Latin America and some Asian markets.
Speaker Change: So at any color on the competitive tension you're seeing for those rights and if you're likewise seeing any interest from digital players.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
Speaker Change: Yeah, yeah, thank you, Brian . Yes, of course, that is a more dynamic and I would say year by year situation. We have so many countries around the world, but then in in in in certain area, we can start to see some competition with regard to the streaming side of it. There are kids smaller than what you can imagine, but it's definitely a healthy situation. We have countries like Japan, for example, that is quite big for us. What are there in the Southeast Asia?
Speaker Change: And also in Brazil, for example, that we'll have an evolution and we'll have a positive impact in our relationship in the starting from next year.
Got it. Thank you.
[inaudible]
The next question is Joe Stoff, a Susquehanna International Group.
Please proceed with your question.
Speaker Change: Thank you. Good morning. I was wondering first question on whether or not you could share with us any organic or same race commentary. You know, penny.
Speaker Change: any KPIs you have with respect to the two races in the first quarter. And then secondarily, Stephanie, maybe a follow-up on a earlier question about team competition.
Speaker Change: It certainly seems parody where the competition has increased, you know, especially last season and maybe season today and I was just wondering all those three buckets you mentioned, you know what?
Speaker Change: What were the most important reasons or improvements that you have made thus far?
Bye.
Speaker Change: I mean, I wouldn't want to go ahead if that's right, and maybe I...
Sorry, go ahead, step it up.
[inaudible]
Speaker Change: Then I was saying, Brian , if you want to give your comment on the organic and KPIs, the first question that they would jump in on the second question of Joe.
Yeah, and I would say is
Speaker Change: Do the math on what we've reported here. We can't give you anything more specific than kind of what we're already showing but
Speaker Change: There's a mix of races, obviously, and so you've got Australian China this year, you've got the two Middle Eastern races last year with China not being in the mix, and you can see the impact that you have there on revenue in Oibida.
If I could go to the second question.
Stefano Domenicali: Yeah, I was just going to say, stepping up, there's anything you want to add on attendance or panic club at the one race where we had it, you can add that, but
Let's be about it.
No, it seems that's it.
Speaker Change: I think Brian , you were absolutely spot on. I mean, the dimension of comparing Apple with Pears, it is pretty clear that he's not even the same kind of balance. I think that, as you already mentioned, there will be a clear situation where the more we go ahead into the next quarter because there will be, you will see the organic growth that we're having everywhere. And that would be very, very clear. So, on that, just, just, just,
Speaker Change: I want to share good news that is happening all around the world also in that respect.
Speaker Change: There is not only the counter that we have in term of...
Speaker Change: commercial agreement but also all the other activities that are related to ground credit are different to place to place so the right companies will be done exactly when we don't have at the end of the year the final results but everything is progressing absolutely in the right way.
Speaker Change: Going back to the second question of Joe about the team competition, we don't have to forget that on top of the three parts that I said that is also the things that after many years, naturally the cycle of having the evolution that is becoming close to the tangent is bringing the teams to be very close. If you see this year mainly in qualifying the gaps out of milliseconds, so that is really impressive.
Speaker Change: That's all that is part of what we see today and it's also even more relevant to say that when we take the decision to change regulation, it is normal and there are reasons for that, of course, that the potential that would be more gaps in performance at the beginning, but the regulation that we are putting in place will try to minimize or the time on which the teams and the new power unit to manufacture that they were allowed to come in and also new team that will come in will have the time to react to that.
Speaker Change: So I think that the tripping of our very relevant even more when there is a step change of regulation as it will be done next year, but as we remember to all of us.
Speaker Change: We're down to allow to new power units manufacturing the team to get in and also to have the focus on the sustainable fuel and hybrid energy that was relevant for us to keep in the technology relevancy for the future in our sport.
Thanks very much.
Speaker Change: The next question is from Spencer Amir of Deutsche Bank. Please proceed with your question.
Speaker Change: Hi, thanks for the question. You announced a 10-year extension for the Miami Grand Prix with a number of years left on the current deal. I was wondering if you could shed some color on what made you decide to extend the Grand Prix so early.
Speaker Change: I can answer to that direct yes thanks for the question you know we believe that the Miami Grand Prix is a very important pillar
Speaker Change: of our strategy in U.S. I mean that the job done is really very very impressive and of course we want to give the possibility for them also to keep investing.
Speaker Change: And the more we are able to give that kind of certainty the more they will invest to grow together not only on their business evolution but also in order to
Speaker Change: partnership but to develop where you know the American sides together with them. They've been proved to be a very very solid and strong partner and that's the reason why we haven't dissipated now because there was no reason to wait.
Speaker Change: Yeah, and just from my standpoint, you know, into the first Miami race and then just this last one I think the improvement and what has happened there on the ground has been pretty impressive. So, you know, it could as to our partners in Miami for what they've done and we look forward to their continued investment.
in the race.
Speaker Change: Our next question is from Jason Bisonett of City Bank. Please proceed with your question.
Jason Bissonnette: I just had a very simple question. Um, you rightly pointed out that your business is defensive and is viewed as defensive by investors. Um, the one question we get is people aren't quite sure how to think about.
Jason Bissonnette: The defensiveness of the sponsorship revenue if there wasn't economic slowdown.
Jason Bissonnette: Jason, I think that the answer for that is no one is going to get involved with the
Jason Bissonnette: In front of us, but what we can see is that the credibility of our platform and the fact that we are very close to them with the with the fact that we are discussing on a daily basis what are the need that we need to supply to their is our strength.
Jason Bissonnette: And the fact that we are long-term agreed with sponsors is of course a financial covering the term of the risks.
Jason Bissonnette: that we have but that is more relation we have that has been built on the trust and understanding each other what are the needs.
Jason Bissonnette: That's why, you know, as I said, that we are always very prudent, but the relationship we have and the quality of the parts that are working together with us allow us to be very, very positive. We have long-term content that, of course, that will reduce that financial risk.
Jason Bissonnette: And the good thing is to stay connected and to try to see that is having happening how we can just together to make sure that our platform will offer to them what they need.
Speaker Change: Yeah, and just a, you know, a continuation of what Stefano just said. I mean, the quality...
Jason Bissonnette: of our partners and sort of the longer term nature of the deals I think certainly the near term.
Jason Bissonnette: Hopefully it so lights us from from some of the any any potential macro headwinds here. I uh you know I think that the way to think about it is that the partners we have a really looking for broad global exposure.
Jason Bissonnette: And we provide that. We provide that, frankly, almost better than anyone else out there. And so, you know, the supply for them is, uh...
Stefano Domenicali: is not huge and so we provide that and we provide that our way of stuff and also what we are actively working with our partners to maximize.
Stefano Domenicali: Sort of the relationship for them and for their targets and the initiatives that they have and I think that, you know, again, this is somewhat qualitative but just in the conversations with our partners and understanding what their needs are. They are enthusiasm.
Stefano Domenicali: And these potential headlines in the economy have, it's not like they came in yesterday, they've now been around for a couple of months or speculation of them in the way these guys continue to speak about their business and the way they want to grow their business and how we can help them achieve those targets is been...
You know, very reassuring.
Stefano Domenicali: Is it fair to say it's not as contractual as we do right now?
Yeah.
Stefano Domenicali: I'm just going to add, I'm just going to add that we haven't seen, yeah.
Good.
You
Thank God Jason can you hear me?
Speaker Change: Go ahead, Jason. Why don't you just ask your next question and then step up and can answer both?
Stefano Domenicali: Okay, I was just going to say is it for investors is it fair to say it's not as contractual as media rights, but maybe more defensive than if you had an advertising business, is that the right framing of it?
No.
Stefano Domenicali: I think these are, it's not like, it's not like media.
Stefano Domenicali: media deals in the sense of advertising deals in the sense of buying those sort of quarterly or even annually. These are long-term deals just like our media rights deals. I think, you know, we're not going to get into the details of how long each one is. We've probably mentioned some of them, but I do think that...
I don't like any media deals.
Stefano Domenicali: I'm on the sponsorship side and just like we talked about Miami.
Our partners want to invest.
Stefano Domenicali: in what they partnered up with, and that takes multiple years.
Stefano Domenicali: To make the investment activate on that investment and meet the benefits of that. That's why from a partner standpoint, they want to come in longer term with us.
Stefano Domenicali: And I think, again, as a result, we have these sort of, you know, mid-to-long-term contracts with most of these folks. And I think that helps us in times like this. But definitely, do you want to finish up?
Stefano Domenicali: No, I I totally agree Derek and to be to be very transparent. We haven't seen any slowdown in our conversation despite the market situation we have today with the other potential.
Stefano Domenicali: That is related to what we just said about the credibility of our platform to the fact that in any case, you know, we believe that Dina worldwide sport, worldwide sport, we can be perturbed for each of them to differentiate the strategy they need to do it.
Stefano Domenicali: So, I would say that's the situation that we live in today, so it's all good.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Our last question today comes from Matthew Harrigan of Benchmark. Please proceed with your question.
Matthew Harrigan: Thank you as everyone knows the Lego drivers parade was was marketing genius incidentally. I have a question you're really putting up great engagement metrics apart across the board. I mean linear. Yeah.
Matthew Harrigan: is encouraging as well as social and I think you're probably breaking out maybe more than anyone else in social
Speaker Change: The linear channel I think is just younger people's way they consume content in shorter form, including sports and F1.
Speaker Change: Do you have any thoughts on how you might be able to better engage, you know, people are better monetized rather, people who have shorter attention spans versus someone who's going to get up and watch a race for two hours? Thank you.
Stephanie, do you want to start?
Well, Matthew, can I sit?
Speaker Change: Yeah, thank you. Thanks for the comment we take with pride because we never stop. We try to be different for the other. The other platform to create some sort of it is what we are doing. And by the way, as that is said at the beginning of the call. The great news is that we have our drivers and our partners that are embracing our strategy because they understand the value of it.
Speaker Change: It is clear that the more we are able to do these kind of things, the more we are going to be able to monetize all what we are doing.
Speaker Change: It would be wrong to believe that you can monetize everything straight away. And that's why on that we have a
Speaker Change: strategy that needs to be diverse but also very very very complete we have a you know we need to make sure that our engagement with our fans is not only to also the race of the Sunday but we need to have a three almost 55 days a year of engagement.
Speaker Change: try to tell the count and and this is really what we try to do
Speaker Change: in order to get the access to the data we are available in order to get into the consumer habits of all our fans.
Speaker Change: This is something new for us so that's why I see potentially another important revenue stream that will allow us to be strong in an area where so far we've made the week
Speaker Change: But the potential to grow is definitely there and the only thing that can come is if you are able to be creative as much as we can in order to be different for the other proposition.
Thanks, sir. Thanks, sir.
Speaker Change: Yeah, Matthew, thank you for the question and I just follow up on stuff and then we'll close it out here but
Peace.
Speaker Change: You know, what Feminine is saying is absolutely right. You're building an ecosystem. You've got a funnel here where you are trying to bring in as many people as you can do engage with the sport.
Speaker Change: Certain platforms historically have been more monetizable directly than others but at the end of the day we're not necessarily looking to maximize revenue on each particular platform and each particular content. Contact that we have with a fan.
we are building the
Speaker Change: You know the whole universe and the whole ecosystem here so the fan sort of interact with. [inaudible]
Speaker Change: on social media that's not instantly monetizable. That fan may go and purchase an F1 shirt. That fan may ultimately attend a race. That fan may end up in Las Vegas one day. I want to go to Grand Prix Plaza.
That fan may tell their parents to start watching races.
Speaker Change: So, I think that there are so many ways that we ultimately will monetize
Speaker Change: Sort of any of these points of contact that not every single point of contact that in itself has to be monetized.
Speaker Change: So with that, I will close the call for this quarter. I want to thank all of you on the call who's participated and all the questions, great questions that we received. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to dial on. Thank you very much.