Gist Independent
Sharp takes, deeper dives
The everyday, explainedBy Huw Allen

Mercedes. Brand beats the podium.

Mercedes hasn't won a championship since 2021, yet its brand value is almost level with Ferrari's. Fans are worth more than trophies.

THE GIST ON MERCEDES: "The Race for F1's No.1 Brand"

Thumbnail for The Gist on Mercedes, titled "The Race for F1's No.1 Brand".

Watch "The Race for F1's No.1 Brand": The Gist on Mercedes.

What has happened to Mercedes' brand?

Its brand value has surged to about £3.01 billion, just shy of Ferrari's £3.09 billion and well ahead of everyone else on the grid.

Remarkably, Mercedes hasn't won a championship since 2021. It has had two winless seasons and lost Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, yet its commercial strength keeps rising.

Why is that possible?

Formula One has shifted. It's no longer just a sport, it's a global entertainment product. Drive to Survive on Netflix and the Formula One movie last year added tens of millions of new fans. US races like Miami and Vegas bring in billions in economic impact, and sponsorship revenue is at record highs.

Mercedes has tapped into this better than anyone through content, global partnerships and consistent branding.

What is the new economics of sport?

Brand value has detached from sporting results. Ferrari leads on heritage, Red Bull on performance, and Mercedes increasingly on global mainstream appeal.

Attention beats results. The brands that dominate culture, content and global audience will soon be worth more than those dominating the podium.

Does a team's brand matter more than its wins?

Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.

Quick answers

How much is Mercedes' F1 brand worth?

About £3.01 billion, just behind Ferrari's £3.09 billion.

When did Mercedes last win a championship?

2021, according to the reel.

Why is brand value rising without wins?

F1 is now a global entertainment product, and Mercedes has used content, global partnerships and consistent branding better than anyone.

See you on the next one.

What should the next one be? Suggest a topic for Huw to explain

The conversation

Comments

Nothing here yet. Start the conversation: Huw reads every comment before it is published.

Back to all Gists

Liked that? There's a newsletter every Friday.

One subject, properly, through your letterbox every Friday. Written by people. No rolling news and no outrage. Informed, not overwhelmed.

You're on the round. First one lands on Friday. Check your inbox to confirm.

Free. Unsubscribe whenever you like. Demo only: nothing is sent yet.