One of hottest topics of the pre-season is the replacement of Sauber with Audi, a team never before seen on the F1 grid. The Audi F1 team unveiled its 2026 livery during an event in Berlin on 20th January. While the majority of teams on the grid feature bold and bright colour schemes, Audi have adopted a predominantly metallic grey design, with red and black features. With the striking difference to other cars, many are looking forward to seeing how Audi makes it mark on Formula 1.
In line with tradition, Ferrari’s new 2026 design is mostly red, but this year featuring white accents on the top of the chassis. Like many cars this season, the Ferrari is certain to make a bold statement amongst the grid, with the return of gloss paint, after seven seasons of matte finish.
Moving down to the midfield, the 2026 Haas F1 car looks similar to that of previous years. It primarily features white, with its distinctive red accents throughout the car. However, this year the ‘GR’ featuring on the top side of the chassis pays tribute to Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), representing a significant technical collaboration with Haas.
As always, the talk of the paddock remains Red Bull and their sister team, Racing Bulls. The teams unveiled their 2026 liveries in Detroit, Michigan. As intended, the cars remain distinctly different in appearance, with Racing Bulls showcasing a predominantly white car, with small accents of the traditional red, yellow and blue – similar to that of 2025. Naturally, Red Bull stole the spotlight with its return to gloss paint. Despite the colours remaining the same, the team opted for a brighter blue throughout the car. All being said, the Red Bull is sure to catch the eye of many this season.
How will the season pan out?
Remaining at the top of the paddock, Mercedes revealed their 2026 livery on the 22nd of January. The design remains similar to 2025, with a mostly silver chassis, with large features of black, complemented by green accents as a nod to long-time sponsors Petronas.
Recently, on the 3rd of February, Williams unveiled an extraordinary bold blue livery which fans are loving. Williams are remaining with the colours that saw it accomplish its best result in a decade. Like many this season, the vibrant gloss paint is sure to make Williams stand out from the crowd.
Despite finishing 10th place in the 2025 constructors’ championship, Alpine’s livery is a personal favourite of mine for 2026. However, despite the continuity of blue and pink, drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will be hoping for change with the new Mercedes powered engine.
Some of the most anticipated liveries of 2026 are yet to be revealed. Cadillac, joining as an 11th team, are to grandly unveil their first-ever livery at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on the 8th of February. The excitement continues as both Aston Martin and Mclaren the talk of the paddock, are to showcase livery launches the following day.
So much awaits F1 in 2026, how will the season pan out? Only time will tell.