Demaras Racing is planning a new for ’24 livery, and we looked to F1 for some inspiration. But as some of the lower-tier Formula 1 teams launched their cars, there’s been harsh criticism of the liveries…or lack of. Seems like every team is so desperate to keep the cars as light as possible that they’re skipping the paint! Most of the cars remain bare carbon-fiber and sponsor decals. They look universally boring.
This week, the big teams like Ferrari and Red Bull are launching their cars, and the expectation is to see colourful red and blue machines. It just makes a gearhead think back to the great liveries of the past. Here’s a list of some all-time great liveries to look back upon fondly.
Lotus 77 John Player Special – The black and gold has been replicated many times over the years with different sponsors. But this is the original Colin Chapman car that started it all.
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro – The iconic ‘rosso corsa’ red paint, the contrasting white wings, and the proud black lettering. This iconic image meant ‘racing’ to a generation of F1 fans.
Williams Martini Racing FW40 – Driven by Canadian Lance Stroll and 2008 Champion Felipe Massa, the Martini livery returned in a modern (not retro) interpretation.
Williams FW14 Canon Camel – This gem from the 90’s was the most technologically advanced F1 cars ever built, and the simple yet stunning livery is still adored by fans today.
Mild Seven Renault – One of the best tobacco liveries. The sky blue against yellow background just worked so well. It didn’t hurt that these were Alonso’s championship winning cars.
7Up Jordan – Look at that triple rear wing. Look at the flowing lines. You know this was Schumacher’s ‘debut’ car? But the simple green and blue livery were also something special.
Brawn – So simple, but not what you’d call elegant with that outrageous hi-viz paint. No pesky sponsor logos to mess up the look. A one year wonder that dominated Formula 1
Had to hop over to google to learn what a car livery is. Fun to learn new things! Some of my son’s race cars have distinctive liveries. But I’m as ignorant as the day is long whether any of the cars relate to a famous driver or team.
Valid point. Halfway through the day I noticed that article had been viewed 0.00 times.
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So I replaced the word Livery with Paint Job and I will try harder not to do such stupidness agai .
I’m glad I got to read the original. My curiosity is something I treasure and I very much enjoyed learning about this today.
My interest in Formula One started to fade away when Senna died. For this reason, I don’t have much recollection of famous liveries after the one that adorned his Williams.
I think I should research more about the F-One universe pos Senna.
I only started following F1 after that. I watched IndyCar because it was on TV during normal hours. But when Villeneuve went to F1, we followed. Got to see Schumi and Kimi and Felipe win which was great.