While several special liveries were spotted on the track throughout the Barcelona shakedown week and pre-season testing in Bahrain, eleven F1 teams in 2026 will now introduce one-off designs during the 22-race season as well.
F1 cars are built to leave an impression not only in the literal but also in the figurative sense. It’s not just the innovative, jaw-dropping engineering spectacles that capture the attention of the fans; it’s also very much about how visually captivating the cars are as they rocket around racetracks worldwide.
Although special liveries in F1 became popular and frequent only in the 21st century, particularly after 2020, teams began experimenting and deviating from their standard paint schemes as early as the late 1960s.
One-off liveries are often presented to mark a specific occasion; for instance, they might celebrate a milestone event for the team, commemorate a partnership, or be a nod to the venue. Circuits like Monaco, COTA, and Las Vegas, for example, commonly see a wide range of unique liveries reflecting the venue and the prestige of the sport.
After multiple F1 teams introduced their one-off liveries at Suzuka, Miami, and Monte Carlo, Racing Bulls have now unveiled a special design for the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP weekend.
2026 F1 Japanese GP: Racing Bulls special livery
The Racing Bulls F1 team has rolled out a striking one-off livery for the 2026 Japanese GP in collaboration with calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi.
Continuing the tradition they have established over the past few seasons, the Faenza-based squad introduced the livery for this year’s race in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ during the Red Bull Tokyo Drift night-time car meet and party on March 21.
Shaped by the Red Bull Spring Edition and the atmosphere of Japan in cherry blossom season, the livery sees the team’s signature colours reworked into a bold white, red, and silver palette. Moreover, Aoyagi’s calligraphy, which uses bold brush strokes to reflect the rhythm and flow of racing, runs across the car.
The matching team kit, which draws inspiration from the new Red Bull Spring Edition can and the celebration of Sakura, features “Give You Wiiings” written in traditional Japanese shodo brush calligraphy.
The livery will run across the full race weekend at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, appearing on the VCARB 03 cars of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, the race suits, and the team kit.
Aoyagi will be present across the weekend, carrying on the work trackside with live calligraphy and fan pieces inspired by the design. Furthermore, she will style the team’s garage at Suzuka.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, said:
“As a team, we’re always looking for ways to connect with young fans and the cultures that shape our sport.
“The creative direction for this special livery and team kit originated with the Red Bull Spring Edition can, and together with Bisen Aoyagi, we transformed that bold design into something truly unique for the track.
“Unveiling it in Tokyo, in front of the passionate fans at Red Bull Tokyo Drift, makes this moment even more special for our team.”
Bisen Aoyagi, Japanese calligrapher, added:
“Calligraphy captures motion in a single stroke, much like racing captures speed in a pivotal moment. I was inspired by cherry blossoms and the culture of Japan to create a design that feels powerful, elegant and alive on the car.”
2026 F1 Japanese GP: Haas special livery
Haas will don a Godzilla-themed livery for the Japanese GP, the third round of the 2026 F1 season, as they attempt to score points for the third race weekend in a row.
Ahead of the home race for the team’s title partner Toyota Gazoo Racing, Haas announced a brand-new season-long collaboration with TOHO CO., LTD., the iconic Japanese entertainment studio and home of Godzilla.
While Haas offered the first sneak peek of the look during the announcement of the partnership, drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman and team principal Ayao Komatsu unveiled the special livery at a live event in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya on March 24.
After running a cherry blossom livery at Suzuka last year, Haas have reverted to their traditional colour scheme of white, black, and red. The VF-26’s eye-catching livery incorporates the ‘King of the Monsters’ into the design across the engine covers.
Previewing the 2026 Japanese GP weekend and one-off livery, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu said:
“The Japanese Grand Prix is another one of our home races, this season returning with our title partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, so it’s a really big race for us.
“We’re motivated to carry on the momentum we got from the first two races, and I think the team is working really, really well. Suzuka will pose a very different challenge from Shanghai, but at least so far on two different circuits, we’ve managed to adapt our approach well to get the best out of our car and drivers.
“Our target in Suzuka is to again focus on the fundamentals and then try to get both cars into point double points, that’s what we’re aiming for.
“I’m also really excited to see all the Japanese fans as we unveil our special Godzilla-themed livery in Tokyo. This collaboration is a first and is truly exciting, it really shows a part of who we are as a team and our identity, so I hope fans enjoy this fun livery.”
Ollie Bearman commented:
“I love that Japan is another ‘home’ race for TGR Haas F1 Team. It’s the most spectacular city, the fans are so passionate, and for a second year in a row we’re revealing a very special livery. I feel that partnering with Godzilla is something only Haas could do, we do things our way, and it’s really quite something.
“Looking to the track, it’s one of the best circuits in the world. It’s fast, flowing, and you need to be precise. The VF-26 has proven to be a consistent car over the first two races, and the start of this season has been a great one. We need to keep up this momentum heading into April, this team is doing great things right now and we need showcase their hard work on track.”
Esteban Ocon added:
“I’m very excited to be back in beautiful Japan and race in Suzuka this weekend. The fans in Japan are always amazing and for me Suzuka is the best circuit on the calendar.
“The first sector, which is very fast and flowing, is one of the best combinations of corners anywhere. It’s an old-school track where I’ve had some good results in the past so I can’t wait to get going again.
“I know there will be plenty of fans cheering for TGR Haas F1 Team. We also have a cool Godzilla partnership and livery this week, so we’ll be hoping to build up throughout the weekend and leave on Sunday night with a solid haul of points for the team.”
2026 F1 Japanese GP: Mercedes special livery
Mercedes have become the third F1 team, after Racing Bulls and Haas, to reveal a special livery for the 2026 Japanese GP weekend.
The Brackley-based squad took to social media on March 24 and presented renders of the W17 sporting the motif of an apex predator. While a distinct grey wolf with piercing yellow eyes is emblazoned on the front wing, the rest of the car retains the standard livery design with a combination of black and silver complemented by Petronas green accents.
The one-off livery, presented under the tagline of ‘unleashing the beast’, will adorn the cars of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli from Friday practice to Sunday’s race at Suzuka, as Mercedes look to secure a 1-2 finish for the third time this season.
2026 F1 Miami GP: Cadillac special livery
With F1 heading stateside for the fourth round of the 2026 season, Cadillac will hit the Miami International Autodrome sporting a striking one-off livery symbolising American flair and pride.
Presented by the team’s primary partner TWG AI, the livery commemorates Cadillac’s first race on their home turf. It incorporates the essence of Americana into its usual dual-tone black and white scheme, which the newest outfit on the F1 grid first revealed during Super Bowl LX back in February.
While the Stars and Stripes motif seamlessly blends into the livery, the front wing of the MAC-26 displays 50 stars—one to represent each American state. Meanwhile, the rear wing features the acronym “USA” in shades of red, white, and blue to honour Cadillac’s and TWG AI’s American heritage.
As Cadillac’s 2026 F1 challenger boasts its first one-off livery of the ongoing campaign, drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will also pay homage to the American identity of the team via their special race suits for the Miami GP weekend.
Showing off the livery for their first home race, Cassidy Towriss, Chief Brand Advisor of the Cadillac F1 team, commented:
“The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s special Miami Grand Prix livery is a natural extension and speaks without excess. It’s deliberate and confident.
“This is our first home race, and it mattered to us that fans still recognize what they’ve come to know. I can’t wait for the crowd to see it on track for the first time. There’s no place like home.”
Drew Cukor, President of TWG AI, added:
“Miami is a big moment for the team, and we’re proud to have our name on the car for it. This new livery for the first American race is more than just a design—it’s a statement of identity and intent.
“It celebrates the shared heritage of two American brands coming together, united by a relentless drive to push boundaries and innovate.
“That synergy is what makes this partnership so special, and this livery is a bold reflection of the ambition and forward-thinking spirit that TWG AI brings to the team.”
2026 F1 Miami GP: Racing Bulls special livery
The Racing Bulls F1 squad have ditched their primarily white colour scheme and turned up with a vibrant “summer-sun yellow” livery for the 2026 Miami GP weekend.
Drawing influence from Red Bull Summer Edition Sudachi Lime, the livery captures the unmistakable essence of summer and the golden beaches of Miami. The Red Bull branding on the engine cover stands out among the swathes of yellow and black.
The team kit reflects the fresh seasonal experience as well, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad sporting white and yellow overalls for the weekend. The citrus pattern aims to capture not only the intricate textures found inside the fruit but also the lively energy the Miami crowd brings.
In a celebration of Miami’s watersports culture, Red Bull Wakeboard athlete Guenther Oka launched off a ramp and backflipped over the car while pulling away the cover mid-air. Drivers Lawson and Lindblad were also present for the unveiling and arrived in style on a pair of Ski-Doos.
Following Racing Bulls’s waterfront arrival by yacht, a riverside venue then displayed the one-off livery as athletes, creators, media, and fans gathered for the official presentation.
The VCARB 03 will run in its custom livery throughout the race weekend at the Miami International Autodrome, beginning with the 90-minute practice session on May 1. Additionally, fans can experience the livery off-track as it makes appearances across the city, including at the Miami GP Fan Zone.
Launching the special livery for Miami, Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, said:
“Miami has become a special place for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls to express who we are as a team. For the past two years, we’ve used this race to showcase something bold and unique, and this latest livery is no exception.
“The Red Bull Summer Edition livery brings a vibrant energy which reflects who we are as a team—creative and willing to push boundaries. We’re very excited to give wiiings to the new seasonal flavor and bring the distinctive design to track this weekend.”
2026 F1 Monaco GP: McLaren special livery
To commemorate their 1000th F1 race, McLaren will hit the iconic city streets of Monte Carlo in a stunning one-off livery during the 2026 Monaco GP weekend.
McLaren made their debut in F1 at the Circuit de Monaco back in 1966, with founder Bruce McLaren at the wheel of an M2B. The team’s 1000th Grand Prix milestone comes exactly 60 years on as they seek to emerge victorious in the Principality in back-to-back seasons.
The bespoke livery in metallic papaya orange and anthracite features a large ‘1000’ on the MCL40’s sidepods. Additionally, the striking design also pays homage to McLaren’s rich history—with several “hidden gems” reviving the memories of their first race, victories and Championship wins, the Triple Crown, and their world record pit stop.
Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will also don special overalls in Monaco that reflect the design language from the car.
On June 4, the reigning Constructors’ Champions will continue their celebration of their 1000th race at the pinnacle of motorsport with a special moment on the grid at the Circuit de Monaco, where the British team’s first ever F1 car, the M2B, will line up alongside their latest challenger, the MCL40. McLaren Grand Prix winners from throughout history will join CEO Zak Brown, Team Principal Andrea Stella, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for this special moment.
Symbolising the message McLaren Never Quits, the commemorative livery will run on the MCL40 for not only the 2026 Monaco GP but also the next round in Barcelona.
Unveiling the special livery for their 1000th Grand Prix, Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:
“Lining up on the grid to race McLaren’s 1000th Grand Prix in Monaco this year provides a perfect opportunity to recognise our rich history in motorsport. We’re only the second team to reach this incredible milestone, so what better moment to reflect on our past, our present and our future.
“Throughout our past, this team has always shown grit and determination, whether that be in periods of success or the trickier times. McLaren Never Quits, and this livery and the moment on Thursday is a special way to celebrate how far we’ve come. We look forward to running it out on track and recognising what we have achieved from our first race, here in Monaco back in 1966, through to now. Here’s to 1000 more.”
Lou McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, added:
“It’s incredibly special to be celebrating McLaren Racing’s 1000th race at Monaco. There were never any guarantees to get here – and this new livery recognises the challenges, the resilience, and spirit that defines us as a team: McLaren Never Quits.
“Bringing fans into our story of the past 60 years, has been a big part of the build-up to this moment, with our biggest ever fan activation, McLaren Racing Live: Miami, and special collections from our partners, all helping us reflect on and celebrate this journey.
“The 1000th livery too, has lots of nods to our history for Papaya fans to look out for, from world record-breaking pit stops, to nods to our founder Bruce McLaren. We’re extremely proud to share this moment and already looking forward to our next chapter.”
2026 F1 Monaco GP: Aston Martin special livery
The Aston Martin F1 team and their first Principal Partner, Maaden, have joined hands to roll out an eye-catching livery for the 2026 Monaco GP weekend.
The campaign, titled ‘From Rock to Racetrack’, is a nod to Maaden—the largest mining and metals company in the Middle East—and signifies “the transformation of metals and minerals from the earth to high-performance engineering”.
The visually alluring livery crafted for the iconic city streets of Monte Carlo showcases a colour-shifting, iridescent finish. The specialist wrap and its satin effect will not only make the car appear dynamic in stationary mode but also enable it to noticeably change colours depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions.
So far as the colour scheme is concerned, the AMR26 will sport different tones of gold, copper, aluminium, and iron—minerals and metals fundamental to Maaden’s business. Additionally, the use of hexagonal motifs across the car will allow for a seamless transition between Aston Martin Racing Green, black carbon surfaces, and the iridescent material itself.
Revealing the bespoke Monaco livery, Jefferson Slack, Managing Director Commercial, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, commented:
“This weekend, we are proud to celebrate our Principal Partner Maaden through this unique livery takeover at the Monaco Grand Prix.
“More than a livery alone, the whole campaign highlights the important role Maaden plays in shaping and transforming materials into components we all use—including in the world of Formula One™. We look forward to seeing the striking Maaden design on the streets of Monaco this weekend.”
Bob Wilt, Chief Executive Officer, Maaden, said:
“Minerals power the modern world—yet mining remains one of its most underestimated industries. That changes now.
“Our partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team gives us a global stage to prove it. We want the next generation of engineers, geologists, innovators and problem-solvers to see that the materials shaping the future are forged deep in the earth. And Maaden is at the heart of that story.
“With ‘From Rock to Racetrack’ we’re bringing that to life: how the metals and minerals we extract show up in the technology, infrastructure and innovation driving the world forward. This is more than a campaign. It’s a challenge—to look at mining, and Maaden, differently.”
2026 F1 Monaco GP: Audi special livery
Audi’s first special livery in F1 will pay homage to motorsport legend Tazio Nuvolari during the 2026 Monaco GP weekend.
Nuvolari, also known as “The Flying Mantuan”, raced for around three decades during the first half of the 20th century. He drove the powerful, mid-engined Grand Prix cars of the pre-war Auto Union—the company which later evolved into modern-day Audi—and took memorable victories in Italy and Great Britain.
As Audi celebrate one of the world’s greatest ever racing drivers on the city streets of Monte Carlo, Nuvolari’s signature yellow will steal the spotlight on the cars and the race suits. The German outfit has swapped the red that usually adorns the R26 for yellow around the rear of its sidepods and on its rings.
2026 F1 Barcelona-Catalunya GP: Racing Bulls special livery
The Racing Bulls F1 squad have unveiled an arresting football-inspired livery as they gear up for the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya GP weekend.
Given that football fever has gripped the planet—with the FIFA World Cup kicking off on June 11—the unique livery and bespoke teamwear collection also honour the city of Barcelona and its passion for the world’s most widely played and watched sport.
Drawing inspiration from “the visual language of football culture”, the VCARB 03’s new look ties in perfectly with the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the accompanying teamwear collection channels the essence of both retro and contemporary football shirts, with the custom VCARB FC crest bringing together the chequered flag and three stars. The design serves as a toast to not only the World Cup’s three host nations—Mexico, Canada and the United States—but also the rebranded Racing Bulls’s third year in F1.
The campaign has further reinforced the Faenza-based outfit’s commitment to supporting emerging creative talent as it features three creatives from the team’s Creator Platform: fashion designer Hattie Crowther, graphic designer Florence Burns, and photographer Ezra Alexander.
While the one-off livery turns heads at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from June 12 to 14, the drivers’ race suits and the team’s kit will also turn into canvases for the world of F1, football, and fashion to come together.
Launching the special football-themed livery, Peter Bayer, CEO at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, said:
“Formula One and Football are two global sports with incredibly passionate communities, united by a shared sense of identity, creativity and culture.
“With VCARB FC, we’re celebrating that crossover, bringing together the energy of both sports. We’re also proud to give emerging talent the opportunity to help shape campaigns like this, bringing fresh perspectives that continue to push the boundaries in the world of F1.”
Zack Ashley, Head of Global Partnerships, Block, added:
“Two of the biggest stages in sport are colliding in one of the most football-obsessed cities on earth and that kind of moment demands more.
“Together with VCARB, we wanted to celebrate what makes fandom universal: community. The special livery and matchday-inspired jersey are a love letter to that energy—the speed, the belonging, the shared passion, and the Cash App card is how every fan gets their piece of it.”
