Which livery from the past season can you still recall? And what about in 5 years’ time? There’s a good chance you’ll mention McLaren’s tribute to Ayrton Senna. Or perhaps Ferrari’s livery with the blue accents in Miami. Maybe you’re thinking of a design from the first Grand Prix you ever watched? Liveries always evoke strong emotions among fans and are an integral part of the sport. But which liveries were truly unforgettable eye-catchers? We’ve compiled a list of the five most memorable designs, complete with the stories behind them.
1. McLaren’s Tribute to Ayrton Senna (Monaco, 2024)
During the Monaco GP in 2024, McLaren unveiled a special livery in tribute to Ayrton Senna. The iconic black and red design of the legendary Marlboro-McLaren MP4/4 was subtly incorporated into their modern vehicle. Fans appreciated the respect shown to one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. It not only evoked nostalgia but also strengthened the connection between McLaren and its glory days.
2. Jordan 191: The 7UP Design (1991)
The Jordan 191 remains one of the most striking cars in F1 history. Its green design with blue accents and the 7UP logo was fresh and unique. It was also the car in which Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut, which adds to the livery’s legendary status. To this day, this design remains a favorite among F1 purists.
Ferrari’s Deep Red Livery (Mugello, 2020)
For their 1000th Grand Prix, Ferrari chose a deep, dark red livery, inspired by their cars from the 1950s. The design paid tribute to their rich history and perfectly coincided with a home race in Mugello. Although the performance that day was disappointing, the design gave fans goosebumps.
Red Bull’s ‘Thank You Honda’ (Istanbul, 2021)
In farewell to their engine partner Honda, Red Bull presented a unique livery during the 2021 Turkish GP. The white color base was a nod to Honda’s successful history and was widely embraced by fans. The design emphasized the collaboration between Red Bull and Honda in an emotional moment for both parties – and the fans!
A Gem from Benetton: The Colorful B186 (1986)
One of the most colorful and artistic liveries ever – the Benetton B186 from 1986. With a rainbow of colors, including striking sponsor logos, the car was a feast for the eyes. The design immediately stood out in the field and symbolized Benetton’s fresh and daring entry into F1. Today, this iconic car is housed in the BMW Museum in Munich: a tribute to a classic in the history of F1 liveries!
What’s Your Favorite?
These five designs show how liveries not only beautify cars or advertise, but also tell stories. Which livery is most memorable for you?
