Formula 1 (F1)

Formula 1 (F1) is the pinnacle of international open-wheel motor racing, recognized as the world's most prestigious annual sporting series. Originally formalized in 1946 with its inaugural world championship held in 1950 at Silverstone, UK, the sport began as a strictly European competition but has since expanded into a global phenomenon. The commercial rights were long managed by Bernie Ecclestone through the Formula One Group before being acquired by the American media conglomerate Liberty Media in 2017.

While the sport serves a global audience, its engineering heart is centered in the United Kingdom's 'Motorsport Valley,' where a majority of competing teams are headquartered. Other major manufacturing and development hubs are located in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. The governance and regulatory oversight of the championship remain the responsibility of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), based in France, while Liberty Media continues to spearhead the commercial expansion into North American and Asian markets through 2026 and beyond.