F1 Grid Gets a Makeover: Haas, Williams, Red Bull, and Mercedes Unveil 2026 Branding
As F1 heads into a new era in 2026, several teams are refreshing their identities. Haas welcomes Toyota, Williams revives a heritage logo, while Red Bull and Mercedes make subtle tweaks to their iconic looks ahead of the new season.
Several F1 teams are rolling out new branding for the 2026 season, leveraging the massive regulatory overhaul to signal new partnerships and strategic shifts. The changes range from Haas's full integration of new title partner Toyota to Williams's heritage-driven logo refresh, while Red Bull and Mercedes opt for more subtle tweaks to their iconic looks.
Why it matters:
A team's branding is more than just a livery; it's a public declaration of its commercial health, technical alliances, and strategic ambitions. These visual updates signal significant behind-the-scenes changes, such as major new sponsorships and a reset of identity ahead of one of the biggest rule changes in F1 history, setting the stage for the new era.
The details:
- Haas: The American team has officially welcomed Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) as its title partner. The new logo features TGR prominently, blending its established red, white, and black colors with Haas's branding. This partnership extends beyond the track, including collaboration on Haas's new simulator for 2026.
- Williams: In a significant move, the team has reverted to the Williams F1 Team name and unveiled a new logo. The 'W' is a 21st-century reimagining of the original 'Forward W concept' designed by founder Sir Frank Williams in 1977, aiming to connect the team's future ambitions with its successful heritage.
- Red Bull: A subtle but notable change sees the "Red Bull" text in its logo gain a white outline. This design cue, reminiscent of the championship-winning RB6 from 2010, has sparked speculation about potential livery changes. The rebrand coincides with its new Ford power unit partnership and a new team principal.
- Mercedes: The Silver Arrows have introduced a cleaner look for 2026. The AMG and Mercedes branding now sits above PETRONAS, which also receives a new font, giving the title sponsor a clearer and more distinct presence on the car.
What's next:
Fans won't have to wait long to see these new brand identities in action. With car launches set for this month and pre-season testing beginning on February 11, these refreshed liveries will soon be on track, providing the first real look at how the teams will present themselves for the competitive 2026 season.