2026 F1 Livery Power Rankings: Is Red Bull’s updated design in the top position?

There is much to anticipate in Formula 1 for 2026. A fresh set of regulations is set to alter the competitive landscape. Cadillac makes its debut as a completely new team established from scratch. Sauber, which had a presence in F1 for 32 years (with a four-year break in the late 2000s), is no longer part of the grid, replaced by a promising works entry from Audi. For the first time since 2021, a driver other than Max Verstappen will start the season as the reigning world champion.

Before delving into these changes and the unpredictability they introduce to the sport, the pinnacle of open-wheel racing engages in a cherished tradition: launch season. This period offers our initial views of the new liveries and sponsor logos that will embellish these engineering marvels as they speed down start-finish straights globally at speeds exceeding 200 mph.

Which new designs excite? Which familiar looks are starting to feel outdated? ESPN’s Formula 1 team cast their votes on the liveries for every team on the grid — the first seven entrants were unveiled last week and will be updated with each new launch — culminating in the 2026 livery Power Rankings.

1. Red Bull

At last. For the first time since 2015, Red Bull has presented its challenger in a design other than matte navy with bright red highlights. It was a daring, refreshing appearance when it first appeared in 2016, but after a decade in the same livery, it had become rather monotonous.

That has changed in 2026. The glossy finish returns, along with the white outline surrounding all “Red Bull” branding, reminiscent of the peak of Sebastian Vettel’s success with the energy drink company.

There is considerable early excitement for this livery, but its lasting impression will only be assessed once we see it in action under various lighting conditions. Coincidentally, Red Bull has partnered with Ford, resulting in the RB22 showcasing a brighter blue that closely resembles the shade of Detroit’s renowned Blue Oval.

In photographs taken in less intense lighting, however, the Red Bull does not appear as vibrant and distinct as before. If Verstappen’s new No. 3 does not shine under the Melbourne sun at the season opener, there will likely be a collective sigh of disappointment among our voting panel.

2. Mercedes

Mercedes’ combination of its classic silver, black, and Petronas green remains effective, but this year’s livery — while visually appealing — may indicate that the Brackley-based team is running low on design ideas.

The progressive silver blocks over the sidepods transitioning to the black that dominates the rear of the car is a strikingly innovative take on the Silver Arrows’ look, yet it also resembles “build your own team” liveries available in various video games. In other words, it wouldn’t seem out of place in anyone else’s colors.

The cascade of Mercedes logos flowing down the airbox and over the engine covers is arguably the most notable returning design feature on the grid, and Petronas green is such a vibrant color that the author has even curated a small wardrobe around this unique shade, ensuring that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli would find themselves near the front of this ranking.

3. Audi

When Audi previewed its “concept livery” in December, it garnered significant attention and raised the question: “What will come next?” The answer, it seems, was a trip to the sticker shop.

When the spotlight illuminated the R26 at its debut in Berlin, what was unveiled was largely the same “concept livery” previously seen, now adorned with the team’s various sponsors. Given the striking graphics Audi employed to announce its entry into F1 — a concept reminiscent of its Dakar-winning RS Q e-tron and the late Ken Block’s Hoonitron — this feels somewhat restrained.

While the design is clean and the colors relatively fresh within the paddock, it is disappointing for a brand that had the potential to be one of the most visually striking teams on the grid.

4. Ferrari

The intention behind Ferrari’s livery for the SF-26 is commendable, with the significant white around the cockpit and airbox drawing inspiration from Niki Lauda’s 1975 championship-winning 312 T. This year also sees the return of a glossy finish, paying tribute to the team’s dominance in the 2000s with Michael Schumacher at the wheel.

However, neither Lauda nor Schumacher featured black wings during their eras; that design element emerged in the 1980s and ’90s between their tenures with the Scuderia, while their cars were equipped with red or white aerodynamic components. The white extending down the engine cover creates a slightly unbalanced design, although it certainly highlights the visibility of sponsor placements — something HP will undoubtedly appreciate.

The mix of design inspirations is disappointing, although the clarity of Ferrari’s vision deserves recognition.

5. Haas

Haas’ new title sponsorship agreement with Toyota Gazoo Racing adds an element of prestige and investment that has long been absent from F1’s smallest team. The prominent “GR” branding replacing MoneyGram on the engine covers and front wing marks a significant improvement from the previous two years.

Aside from that, however, it remains another black-and-white design with red accents. Without the sponsor logos, many observers might struggle to distinguish the VF-26 from any of the three Haas cars that preceded it.

6. Alpine

It is only when viewed head-on that the A526 can be clearly differentiated from Alpine’s 2025 challenger — and even then, the primary distinction is the blue tip of the nose compared to last year’s all-pink front end. After finishing last in the constructors’ championship, with less than a third of the points of the next-worst team, one could argue that the Enstone outfit had more pressing offseason priorities than designing paint schemes.

Nonetheless, this design direction represents a significant letdown compared to the earlier days of Alpine’s partnership with title sponsor BWT. The 2024 season featured a well-integrated blue-and-pink pattern, honoring both brands’ primary colors, but this year and last have simply seen pink “BWT” lettering placed on blue sidepods. It lacks cohesion, originality, and interest.

7. Racing Bulls

From just the right angle and under the right lighting, the side of the VCARB 03 nose resembles the iconic can-inspired livery Red Bull used during its 2004 postseason test at Jerez after acquiring Jaguar. Unfortunately, Racing Bulls have not revisited their roots; instead, they have opted for metallic blue accents in occasional angular shapes that evoke the parallelograms of the energy drink’s branding.

Ultimately, this is a white car with sporadic hints of inspiration from its new engine partner Ford, an unsatisfactory amount of unfinished carbon fiber, and likely the highest number of sponsor stickers that can reasonably be affixed to a single vehicle.

Source: espn.com