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Cadillac Today
By the People, for the People
Formula 1: Every 2026 Car Livery, Ranked
Alex Powell breaks down the best and worst of the 2026 F1 car designs
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, teams are not only competing on the track, but also vying for attention with their car designs. From Audi's bold debut to Aston Martin's compromised aesthetics, sports journalist Alex Powell ranks the 2026 F1 car liveries from best to worst.
Why it matters
A striking livery can significantly boost a team's profile and appeal to fans, even as performance remains paramount in Formula 1. These car designs are an important part of the sport's visual identity and branding.
The details
Audi's debut livery has made a strong impression, drawing comparisons to Lewis Hamilton's 2008 McLaren. Red Bull has opted for a glossy paint job, reminiscent of the Sebastian Vettel era. Mercedes continues with its black-and-silver hybrid color scheme, while Cadillac's first F1 design is described as simple and effective. Racing Bulls have largely retained the design that worked well for them in the previous season, and Haas has upgraded from their 2021 design. Williams has adopted a lighter shade of blue, and McLaren's new livery lacks significant changes. Alpine's livery continues to lack a distinct identity, and Aston Martin's design features an excessive amount of white to accommodate Hewlett-Packard's logo.
- The 2026 Formula 1 season is approaching.
The players
Audi
A German automobile manufacturer making its debut in Formula 1 with a bold, striking livery.
Red Bull
An Austrian energy drink company that has opted for a glossy paint job reminiscent of the Sebastian Vettel era.
Mercedes
A German automotive company that continues with its successful black-and-silver hybrid color scheme.
Cadillac
An American luxury vehicle division of General Motors that has chosen a simple and effective black-and-white color scheme for its first Formula 1 design.
Racing Bulls
A Formula 1 team that has largely retained the design that worked well for them in the previous season.
What they’re saying
“Audi's debut livery has made a strong impression, drawing comparisons to Lewis Hamilton's 2008 McLaren.”
— Alex Powell, Sports Journalist (NZ Herald)
“Red Bull has opted for a glossy paint job, reminiscent of the Sebastian Vettel era.”
— Alex Powell, Sports Journalist (NZ Herald)
“Cadillac's first Formula One design is described as simple and effective.”
— Alex Powell, Sports Journalist (NZ Herald)
The takeaway
The 2026 Formula 1 liveries demonstrate a range of approaches, from bold new designs to consistent evolutions. The influence of sponsors is evident, with teams often incorporating branding elements into their color schemes. As Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity, teams will likely prioritize both performance and visual appeal to attract and engage fans.
