Motorsport is more than just a sport — it's a big global industry. The UK is leading in motorsport innovation, with its famous Motorsport Valley region playing a key role in this success. Recent reports show exciting growth and global influence for UK motorsport companies, especially in Formula 1.
Big Growth in UK Motorsports
In 2023, UK firms involved in motorsport and engineering earned a total of £16 billion. That is a huge increase from just over a decade ago, when it was much less. The UK now exports many of its motorsport products, mainly to the USA, showing how much its motorsport industry is respected worldwide.
More people are working in this industry now — around 50,000 compared to 41,000 earlier. Many businesses are also training young workers as apprentices, helping bring fresh talent into the field. The industry’s success is driven by investments in research and development (R&D), with many companies spending around 14% of their revenue on new technology and design.
UK’s Role in Formula 1 and Global Impact
Seven out of the ten teams competing in the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship are based in the UK. These include well-known teams such as Alpine, Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Haas, and Williams. The UK not only hosts the teams but also supports the entire F1 ecosystem, including the sport's management and historic circuits like Silverstone.
In 2023, the UK’s motorsport cluster achieved a combined turnover of over £3.8 billion. The area known as Motorsport Valley, which includes regions around the Midlands, Oxfordshire, and Silverstone, is considered a “jewel in the crown” of UK manufacturing. This region is a hub for innovation and has become a global leader in advanced engineering.
Investors see great potential in this industry, with many companies maintaining or increasing their R&D efforts. The UK's motorsport industry also acts as a catalyst for other sectors, such as aerospace, defense, marine, and medical industries, sharing technology and expertise across fields.
Strengthening the future of UK motorsport involves ongoing support for young engineers and talented workers. The passion of new generations for racing and technology helps keep the UK at the forefront of motorsport innovation for many years to come. The industry’s solid growth, global reach, and high-tech approach make the UK a true leader in racing and engineering excellence.
Overall, the UK motorsport industry stands as a powerful example of how sports can evolve into a thriving economy — blending passion, innovation, and manufacturing to drive the nation’s success on the world stage.
