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Livery in Formula 1 cars: Racing with colors, identity and history

In today’s F1 Live 75 event, each team will show its “true colors”. Livery is more than just aesthetics: it is a tool for branding, identity and storytelling.

Por: Raquel Seijas
In F1 Live 75 at O2 London, each team will show its liveries before 15,000 fans and millions trough live streaming / Photo F1
In F1 Live 75 at O2 London, each team will show its liveries before 15,000 fans and millions trough live streaming / Photo F1

In the world of Formula 1, every detail matters – from aerodynamics to engine power. But one aspect that often captures the imagination of fans and sponsors alike is the car’s livery.

 

The livery of an F1 car is more than just aesthetics; it is a powerful tool for branding, identity and storytelling.

 

During  F1 Live 75 today at O2 London (20:00 GMT), each team will show its true colors. Here are some facts about the importance of decoration on F1 cars, why colors are chosen, and the iconic liveries of some of the most important teams: Williams, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull.

The colors, logos, and designs help to recognize teams on the track / Photo TAG Heuer
The colors, logos, and designs help to recognize teams on the track / Photo TAG Heuer

Why are F1 cars so colorful?

The decoration of an F1 car serves several purposes. First and foremost, it is a visual representation of the team’s identity. The colors, logos, and designs help fans instantly recognize their favorite teams on the track.

 

Additionally, the livery plays a critical role in attracting sponsors by providing a high-profile platform for branding. Finally, the design can reflect the team’s heritage, values, or technological innovation, making it an important part of the team’s story.

What does each color represent on F1 cars?

Colors in Formula 1 are chosen with great care. They often reflect national pride, team history or sponsor requirements. For example, red is synonymous with Ferrari, representing Italian heritage and passion.

 

Blue and yellow are often associated with Williams, reflecting its British roots and partnerships with sponsors such as Pirelli and Puma.

 

Colors are also chosen for their visual impact, ensuring the car stands out on the track and on television.

Williams liveries reflect the team's British heritage and commitment to timeless design / Photo Williams F1
Williams liveries reflect the team's British heritage and commitment to timeless design / Photo Williams F1

Williams: A legacy of elegance

Williams Racing, one of the most successful teams in F1 history, is known for its clean and elegant livery. In the 1980s and 1990s, the team’s cars featured a striking blue and white design, often accented with yellow.

 

The Martini Racing livery, with its iconic stripes, became a fan favorite in the 2010s. Williams’ liveries reflect the team’s British heritage and commitment to timeless design.

The Rosso Corsa has been a constant since the Ferrari team's inception, symbolizing Italian passion and speed / Photo Ferrari
The Rosso Corsa has been a constant since the Ferrari team's inception, symbolizing Italian passion and speed / Photo Ferrari

Ferrari: The Prancing Horse in Red

Ferrari’s livery is perhaps the most iconic in Formula 1. The Rosso Corsa (racing red) has been a constant since the team’s inception, symbolizing Italian passion and speed.

 

The prancing horse emblem against the red background is instantly recognizable. Ferrari’s livery is a testament to its rich history and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In recent years, McLaren has adopted papaya orange, a nod to founder Bruce McLaren's original racing color / Photo Mclaren
In recent years, McLaren has adopted papaya orange, a nod to founder Bruce McLaren's original racing color / Photo Mclaren

McLaren: Innovation and Evolution

McLaren‘s livery has evolved over the years to reflect the team’s innovative spirit. In the 1980s, the red and white Marlboro livery became iconic thanks to the team’s partnership with the tobacco brand.

 

In recent years, McLaren has adopted papaya orange, a nod to founder Bruce McLaren’s original racing colors. The team’s livery often features sleek, futuristic designs that showcase its cutting-edge technology.

Red Bull Racing livery reflects the brand's energy and youthfulness / Photo Red Bull
Red Bull Racing livery reflects the brand's energy and youthfulness / Photo Red Bull

Red Bull: Bold and dynamic

Red Bull Racing is known for its bold and dynamic liveries. The team’s cars are instantly recognizable with their dark blue base, bright red accents and the iconic Red Bull logo.

 

The livery reflects the brand’s energy and youthfulness, appealing to a global audience. Red Bull’s designs often incorporate intricate patterns and gradients, making them some of the most visually striking cars on the grid.

Color scheme of Mercedes AMG Petronas is based in blue, silver and black / Photo Mercedes
Color scheme of Mercedes AMG Petronas is based in blue, silver and black / Photo Mercedes

Mercedes: Past and Future

In a kind of timeless canvas on the single-seater, Mercedes AMG Petronas seeks to reflect its history and future in its colors. 

 

Its color scheme is Petronas Blue: a reflection of the pursuit of excellence; silver, dedicated to Mercedes’ glorious moments with the Silver Arrows of the 1930s, with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel. The other color is black, reflecting the cutting-edge technology that drives the team.

Key questions about F1 75 Live and F1 season

  • When will the Formula 1 team liveries be presented? At F1 75 Live, an event that will be held at the O2 Arena on Feb 18th, featuring all 10 teams, 20 drivers and management. During the show, each team will have seven minutes to present the car with its new color scheme and the team's two drivers.
  • Which performers will be featured in the F1 75 Live? Jared Leto, Idris Elba, Fatboy Slim, Dina Asher-Smith Giggs and Vikkstar are just some of the names that will join the night's stellar lineup.
  • Which teams participate in Formula 1? McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams and Kick Sauber.
  • How much was the F1 prize pool in 2024? $1.8 billion, based on a 15% increase over 2023.

To appreciate the painting process of a Formula 1 single-seater, here you can see how Mercedes painted the car used in 2024.

If you found this article about liveries in Formula 1 interesting, please share it. You can also read this article about the history of Ferrari, or you can also check out other interesting articles in our Discover section.

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